Residents catch football fever at local care home

Staff and residents at Bayleaf Care Home in Huntingdon have been gripped by football fever as they celebrate the 2026 World Cup.

Residents at the home will be following the North American based tournament and will be cheering on England every game. The home, run by national care provider Barchester Healthcare, have turned their cinema room into the ultimate World Cup Suite so that the residents can watch the football matches on the TV, and the residents have been kicking a ball around the home at any opportunity.

General Manager of Bayleaf Care Home, Katie Wilkinson said: “The World Cup only comes around every four years and it’s been the perfect opportunity for residents to do something different, and bring the excitement going on around the country and local community into the home. Even though the kick-off times are not ideal, our residents love watching the games and cheering on their favourite teams. Everyone has really gotten into the footie spirit!”

Resident at Bayleaf Care Home, Andy Lindner said: “I’ve seen an awful lot of international football in my time and even remember when England won the World Cup 1966. Hopefully we’ll get to watch England lift the trophy this year!”

Bayleaf Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Bayleaf Care Home provides residential care and dementia care for 53 residents from short-term respite care through to longer term stays.