Bromley Football Club opens its doors to pensioners – and they end up criticising the manager’s tactics

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Bromley Football Club are just 90 minutes from an appearance at the home of football, Wembley.

Boss Andy Woodman’s side play in the FA Trophy semi-final against York City on Saturday  April 2.

But Woodman’s toughest ordeal might be over after he faced an audience of pensioners picking holes in his tactics.

Residents of Signature, Beckenham, were invited to Ravens Chat, a community outreach programme aiming to engage locals and alleviate loneliness.

Weekly activities at both the care home and the club’s Hayes Lane Stadium include coffee mornings, football memorabilia days and quizzes, with residents being able to choose their preferred activity on offer each week.

Ravens Chat began as part of the club’s vision to build on its support for the elderly in the local community during the pandemic, having previously offered help with delivering food to vulnerable people in the area.

Maggie Middleton, General Manager at Signature at Beckenham, says the home is excited to be involved with the project and highlighted the social benefits of the project.

She said: “It is a wonderful opportunity for our residents to continue being part of their local community. By attending the Ravens Chat they have the opportunity to socialise and meet new people, inside and outside the home which boosts their wellbeing.”

Matt Hall, community manager at Bromley FC, who is leading with support on the project commented on the importance of the Ravens Chat and said: “Signature at Beckenham are the ideal partners as they share our vision to add as much value as possible to the quality of life of seniors.

As a newly formed charity with a mission to improve both the mental and physical wellbeing of our community, it is vital we broaden our horizons and begin to create opportunities for seniors.

We have a duty of care to our community in order to improve their lives.”