General news
There was no shortage of smiles, or soil, at Sydney Jones Court in Manchester recently, as young players from FC United of Manchester’s youth team traded their football boots for gardening gloves to lend a helping hand to residents.
In a heart-warming display of community spirit and intergenerational friendship, the players spent the day planting a vibrant collection of hanging baskets alongside residents.
The football club is located on the doorstep of Sydney Jones Court, a Housing 21 Retirement Living scheme which accommodates over 50 residents. The team at FC united of Manchester have been working in partnership with residents since they moved to Broadhurst Park. Over the years the football club has built a strong and meaningful relationship with the residents. From offering complimentary match tickets to hosting a shared walking club, the club is dedicated to staying connected with its local community.
FC United striker, Kade shared his thoughts: “It's been a great day sprucing up the gardens for Housing 21’s residents.”
Festus Igbinehi has been the Local Housing Manager for 11 years and said, “This relationship is all about helping residents stay active and enjoy the community in which they belong and give them the best resident experience from Housing 21.
“We are now in discussions with the club to provide meaningful bespoke exercise classes for those residents who feel able to participate.”
One of the residents, Veronica said: “We plant these baskets every year, and they’re always beautiful and everyone gets involved. It’s a really nice day and we enjoy being together.
“We get help from the young men at FC United next door because they’re all taller than us! And they put the plants up on the wall for us. All in all, it’s a lovely place to be.”
Sydney Jones Court is in the heart of Manchester and consists of studios, one bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.