The New Saints continued their commitment to supporting the local community this morning with a special visit to The Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Gobowen.
Members of the club’s marketing team spent time with residents as part of a community initiative designed to help tackle loneliness and social isolation through conversation, shared memories and meaningful engagement.
During the visit, residents took part in an interactive local knowledge and sports quiz, sparking plenty of friendly competition, laughter and discussion. The club also distributed historic matchday programmes, which helped residents revisit treasured sporting memories and share their own stories and experiences.
It was a heart-warming morning filled with smiles, positive engagement and a genuine sense of togetherness.
Andrew Ruscoe, Marketing and Fan Engagement Officer at The New Saints, said:
“Social isolation can have a significant effect on a person’s emotional and physical wellbeing. Evidence suggests that social interaction, reminiscence and mentally stimulating activities can help people feel more connected, valued and engaged.
“However, this project is not about statistics—it is about people. It is about sitting down, listening and showing residents that their memories, experiences and stories matter.
“Sport has an incredible ability to bring those memories back to life. Seeing people smile, laugh and talk passionately about the places, teams and sporting moments they remember was incredibly moving. We are very grateful to The Old Vicarage for welcoming us, and we hope this is the beginning of a lasting relationship.”
The visit forms part of the club’s wider ambition to build meaningful relationships with community groups, care homes and residents throughout Oswestry, Gobowen and the surrounding areas.
The New Saints Chairman, Mike Harris, said:
“A football club should be about far more than what happens on the pitch. It should be a positive and caring presence within its community.
“We want The New Saints to reach people of every generation and ensure they feel connected to their local club. Sometimes making a difference begins with something as simple as a conversation, sharing an old programme or taking the time to listen.
“We are proud of the work being carried out in our community, but we also recognise that there is much more we can do. We want to continue listening, learning and working alongside local organisations to support the people who need us.”
The New Saints would like to thank everyone at The Old Vicarage Nursing Home for their wonderfully warm welcome and enthusiastic participation.
The club is also grateful to Monty’s Brewery, whose sponsorship is helping to make this caring and community-driven project possible.
Together, we can use the power of sport to create friendships, revive precious memories and ensure that nobody in our community feels forgotten.
