RESIDENTS at a Dorchester care home enjoyed a kickabout with a coaching team from AFC Bournemouth.

Those living at Maiden Castle House were able to enjoy the beautiful game from the comfort of their armchairs as they enjoyed a game of ‘Chair Football’ in the Care South home’s lounge.

The chairs were moved into a circle in the middle of the room and the residents enjoyed kicking the ball around while picking up a few tips from the AFC Bournemouth team.

Some of the male residents played football regularly in their younger days and showed a real talent for the seated version of the games.

The coaches brought along a mini goal for residents to practice their shooting skills with before they also put on an impressive display of their own ball control skills.

The visit was arranged as part of a sponsorship deal signed between the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust and Care South.

As part of the deal care home residents and home care service users will be able to take part in a variety of weekly activities including meeting players, coffee mornings, visits to the Goldsands Stadium, match day hospitality and walking football.

The activities at Maiden Castle House are all designed to improve physical and emotional health, fitness and wellbeing as well as promoting social interaction.

Activities coordinator Jenny Webster said the residents had really enjoyed the visit from the AFC Bournemouth coaches and were very much hoping for a return visit.

She said: “The residents thoroughly enjoyed their visit from the Cherries coaching team.

“We saw a lot of competitive spirit and it transpires that we have some good kickers here at Maiden Castle.

“There was a great deal of laughter and good natured banter between residents, players and staff and we very much hope they return again soon.”