AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has linked up with the AFC Bournemouth Community Sport Trust to be named as the ambassador of the club’s Care South partnership.
He visited Wickmeads residential care home in Tuckton, alongside the Trust, to join more than 20 elderly residents to talk about his season so far, talk through stories about the club and its history as well as joining in with some enjoyable activities.
Aaron said: “Whether the residents support Bournemouth or not it’s a great time to come out and speak to them.
“We played a few games of chair football together and just had a bit of fun really. It’s a nice break in their day and their routines. We all sat down together and had a nice laugh and a joke.
“Becoming ambassador for this project is something I felt I needed to do. Care homes are a big thing not just here but all around the country. I have family members who have been in care homes and the workers do great things here too.”
Simon Bird, chief executive at Care South, added: “We’re delighted that this is our sixth season with AFC Bournemouth and the Community Sports Trust.
“It’s Aaron’s first year with us and he’s been a safe pair of hands for all of our residents, he’s a great ambassador for us.
“There has been a great deal of activity here at Wickmeads and we get visits twice a week from the Trust. They’re a highlight of all of our residents’ weeks.”
AFC Bournemouth head of community Steve Cuss talked about some of the important aspects of the project, adding: “We have a fantastic partnership with Care South – we get the footballs out and enjoy kicking them around while sat in the chairs.
“Another important part of our visits is that we like to socialise, talk football and we hear a lot of memories about the club from the past and from the present as well. We know we have some keen football followers in the groups.”