Residents and team members at The Orchards Residential Home are getting ready to cheer on England as the team prepares to face Croatia in their opening World Cup match on Wednesday 17 June.

There has already been plenty of football chat around the home, with residents sharing their own memories of matches, players and moments from years gone by.

For one resident, Peter, England football brings back a particularly special memory.

Peter joined the RAF in 1958 when he was just 15 years old. During his time stationed at Headley Court, he and his fellow servicemen had the opportunity to meet members of the famous England football team of 1966.

The players joined them for a friendly kickabout, with around 20 goals scored during the game — and, as Peter remembers with a smile, they weren’t all scored by the footballers.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one Peter has never forgotten.

As England prepares to take on Croatia, Peter’s story has brought back happy memories and sparked lots of conversation among residents and team members at The Orchards.

The home will be getting into the spirit of the tournament, with residents looking forward to watching the match together and supporting England as the World Cup gets underway.

Amanda, Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home, said: “Peter’s story is absolutely wonderful. It’s not every day you meet someone who had a kickabout with the England team of 1966.

“Football has such a special way of bringing people together. It starts conversations, brings back memories and creates a real buzz in the home. We’re all looking forward to cheering England on and making the match feel like a proper occasion for our residents.”

The Orchards Residential Home regularly supports residents to enjoy activities, events and shared experiences that celebrate their memories, interests and life stories.