Football brings care-home residents together in Milton Keynes

Football is bringing movement and company into more care homes in Milton Keynes. MK Dons Community Trust chief executive Paul Mitchell told MKFM that the charity now works in at least ten homes, offering exercise and opportunities to socialise.

The latest account describes a wider reach than the seven homes reported by the Trust in May. Its sessions include people living with neurological conditions, while match tickets help residents stay connected with their local club.

At Castlemead in Newport Pagnell, manager Grace Madenyika described one resident who previously stayed in his room but began looking forward to football. Another resident and his wife started attending matches together.

These are encouraging observations from a participating home, not a controlled assessment of health outcomes. Mitchell’s wider figure of nearly 20,000 people supported last year covers the charity’s whole programme.

The practical lesson is about making familiar interests accessible. For residents who find ordinary activities difficult to join, football can offer a reason to come together.

Sources

• MKFM — MK Dons charity head celebrates first year
• MK Dons Community Trust — Care-home sessions and residents’ experiences, May 2026