By KLTV Newsdesk –
England’s UEFA Euro 2020 campaign has been one of inspiration for many, and that includes a few ex-amateur footballers at a Huddersfield care home, who have created their own trading card game.
Residents at Aden View Care Home, on Perseverance Street, Primrose Hill, eagerly watched England over the last month during their advance to the final of the European championship.
Unfortunately, there was to be no fairy tale ending for the Three Lions, with Italy winning 3-2 on penalties.
Despite the result, the residents expressed how proud they are of the team and have even capitalised on the football fever by creating their own trading cards featuring the home’s former players.
‘Everyone here is proud’
Terry Hickson, 79, was one of those immortalised in the care home’s new cards, which says the lifelong Huddersfield Town AFC supporter used to play for Holme Valley and most enjoyed “beating the other side”.
Following the Euro 2021 final, he said: “England did really well. The tournament has put everyone in a really excited mood. Despite not winning, the lads did brilliantly to get to the final and everyone here is proud of them.”
Aden View Care Home resident Terry Hickson, 79, donning his England shirt to watch the final.
Fellow resident John Wainwright, 84, used to play for Hull City Amateurs, according to his trading card, which also states his favourite team is Manchester United and his favourite player is Ronaldo.
He said: “I’ve always enjoyed supporting England throughout the years. It’s terrible that we didn’t win this time but somebody had to get the trophy.
“It was a good match and the games have improved everybody’s mood.”
The care home has housed many former amateur footballers over the years, and many still love to watch games and keep up to date with the latest from their favourite teams.
The trading card for James “Billy” Gill, 90, says his favourite team is Fartown, he used to play for Sheepridge, and his favourite memory is “watching the football with his friends.”
Before the final he offered the advice: “You have to have the men and the guts to win”.
Despite the team not lifting the trophy after the final whistle, he added: “It was a good match to watch.”
Resident John Wainwright, 84, said the Euros “have improved everybody’s mood.”
‘Positive Memory’
Lauren Shipman, the activities coordinator at Aden View Care Home, chose to make the trading cards of the residents in order to harken back to their childhood hobbies.
She said: “I thought back to what the residents would have done when they were kids, as football cards were the things that they used to collect.
“So I thought it would be a positive, great memory for them to take out of the pandemic.
“Even though England didn’t win in the end, the residents have really enjoyed taking part in supporting the team with the rest of the nation and they were all so proud to make it to the final.”
Resident James “Billy” Gill, 90, getting ready to watch the final
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