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Fancy a game of football darts? See how the Wanderers lit up the faces of these retired folks

When three Western Sydney Wanderers stars turned up to a retirement village in Bankstown, it was one of the best fun days the residents had.

It’s high five time for Wanderers star Marc Tokich and resident Irene Hammond at Bupa home in Bankstown. Picture: Carmela Roche
It’s high five time for Wanderers star Marc Tokich and resident Irene Hammond at Bupa home in Bankstown. Picture: Carmela Roche

When three Western Sydney Wanderers players turned up to a retirement village in Bankstown, it was not to sign autographs but to provide some fun and gentle exercise for the seniors.

Star trio Josh Risdon, Marc Tokich and Jaushua Sotiro visited the Bupa Bankstown home in Yagoona last Thursday, introducing football darts to the residents.

“The idea is that you kick a velcro-covered ball against the inflatable dartboard, it’s as simple as that but words really can’t express how much joy the day brought to people at Bupa Bankstown,” Risdon said.

Wanderers’ Marc Tokich has fun with Omer Taric, one of the residents at the Bupa home. Picture: Carmela Roche
Wanderers’ Marc Tokich has fun with Omer Taric, one of the residents at the Bupa home. Picture: Carmela Roche

“There is no running in this football.

“Football Darts is a mashup of football and darts.

“We usually have these outside our games for our fans to play with.”

Resident Faiza Alwan chats with Sydney Wanderers player Joshua Risdon. Picture: Carmela Roche
Resident Faiza Alwan chats with Sydney Wanderers player Joshua Risdon. Picture: Carmela Roche

Risdon said getting older does not mean you have to stop doing the things you love.

It brought back fond memories for resident James McLaren, who had played the game many moons ago.

“Once the ball is rolling, everyone just forgets about everything else that’s happening and we get on with it and just have fun,” Mr McLaren said.

“What I really missed about sport was the conversation and camaraderie — this visit from the Wanderers brought all that back.”

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The home’s general manager, Sirjana KC said she was glad the new game provided the residents the opportunity to exercise and have fun.

“When you get older, the speed of the game is a little bit too fast, so the inflatable target and visit from the Western Sydney Wanderers has slowed it down and made it both fun and engaging for our residents,” Mrs KC said.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-express/fancy-a-game-of-football-darts-see-how-the-wanderers-lit-up-the-faces-of-these-retired-folks/news-story/923dc75ac81b604197599748a20c4a26