Coventry Building Society partnered up with CCFC and Sky Blues in the Community to bring one of Coventry’s Care Homes an evening to remember.
On Wednesday 15th September Coventry City earned their fourth successive home win of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Cardiff City. Along with the elated fans who cheered the mighty Sky Blues on from the stadium, we also had a group of residents at Coventry’s Haven Nursing Home watching the game live from their communal lounge area.
These Haven Nursing Home residents didn’t just watch the game though, they watched it in style, all thanks to the Coventry Building Society and special guest - Head of Sky Blues in the Community, David Busst.
Coventry Building Society have partnered up with CCFC creating a package that brings CCFC home games to people that are no longer able to visit the stadium. This fantastic initiative allows some of Coventry City’s biggest fans to still gain that match day experience they know and love but unfortunately can’t do anymore.
This ‘CCFC at home package’ was taken to the residents of the Haven Nursing Home for Coventry’s home game vs Cardiff on Wednesday 15th September.
They were surprised with not only a live stream of the game, but CCFC balloons to decorate the lounge, cupcakes to enjoy whilst watching the match and generous gifts such as CCFC bears, scarves and flags.
Not only was Emma Brodie at the Nursing Home representing Coventry Building Society but joining her was special guest and former CCFC defender – David Busst, Head of Sky Blues in the Community.
Louise, Haven Nursing Home Manager commented: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped with this event. The residents are still talking about this. The balloons and cupcakes were amazing and tasted beautiful, they made the lounge look lovely and added to the experience. The freebies of bears, scarves and flags were amazing and very generous. The feedback from both staff and residents has been very positive”.
Within the residency there were two super fans of Coventry City FC, one of which is one of the Nursing Home’s quieter residents. He had his old CCFC shirt on ready for the game, just like when he used to visit Highfield Road many years ago. He wasn’t however expecting to see former CCFC player David Busst standing in the lounge. Once seeing Dave his whole face lite up and couldn’t stop him talking and reminiscing over all the old CCFC games he attended.
Emma, from Coventry Building Society, commented: “I just sat back and watched the reaction from the residents, and I think Dave underestimated the power he brought to the event and how much he brought these residents to life. It’s such a shame fans like this can’t get out to come to games anymore, but I am overwhelmed to be taking part in such a great initiative just to see how much this package means to groups like the residents here”.
Overall, the whole evening was a great success and just to know how much it meant to these lifelong fans makes this package all worthwhile. We heard from some of the residents about their thoughts on how the evening went and this is what they had to say:
Peter: “I really enjoyed it, I enjoyed talking to Dave and liked the gifts I was given.”
Paul: “It was very good, I had a good natter with Dave and love the scarf, still wearing it now.”
Ian: “I enjoyed everything, and it was nice to do something different.”
Pat: “I can’t remember the football but love the CCFC teddy bear.”
If you have any questions or would like to know any further information regarding this article, please contact Sky Blues in the Community’s Marketing & Communications at: sami.turgeon@sbitc.org.uk or call our office on 02476 786 349.
