Academy players visit Stiperstones Court retirement complex

Shrewsbury Town’s academy players brought joy to Stiperstones Court retirement complex last week as part of the club’s ongoing community programme.

The young Salop scholars spent Thursday afternoon with residents, taking part in a variety of sporting activities and enjoying plenty of conversation and laughter along the way.

Stiperstones Court manager Vanessa praised the visit, saying:

"I’d like to thank all the Shrewsbury Town academy scholars for joining in our sports afternoon.

"It was delightful to see the positive interaction across the generations; conversation and laughter simply flowed. We wish all the players every success in the future."

Residents also spoke warmly of the occasion. Jill said: "

"It was a pleasure to spend time with the academy team; a group of polite young men who absolutely made our afternoon."

Margaret added:

"The way the academy players spoke with me made me very happy. 

"They were interesting and also interested - the years between us melted away. It was a wonderful thing they did, and I’d very much like them to visit again."

Academy captain Jay Snook reflected on the impact of the day:

"It was a good day. The lads enjoyed putting smiles on other people’s faces.

"Visits like that keep everyone humbled. Hearing some of the residents’ stories - some so similar to our own - made it a really interesting afternoon."

Natalie Wood, head of academy player care, summed it up:

"It was such a wonderful afternoon celebrating community engagement in the player care department.

"It was great to see the staff, scholars and the residents exchanging stories about life and sport."