The documentary short The Care Home League is a 4-minute and 31-second UK production directed by Ike Walker. Made in English, it addresses access to sport for older people, with particular attention to residents of Scottish care homes.
The documentary focuses on an initiative by a local golf club that introduced Park Golf, a simplified and accessible variation of traditional golf. Through this activity, care-home residents have the opportunity to approach a sport that would normally be difficult to practise because of age or physical conditions.
The protagonists are the older people involved themselves, who take part in the games and experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of the activity. Through images of play and shared moments, the film documents the joy and sense of inclusion brought by the initiative.
The athletes' participation is therefore real: facility residents take part in the sporting project, supported by staff and the organising club. The story is chiefly set on golf courses adapted for Park Golf and transformed into spaces for meeting and movement.
Its central message is that one is never too old to play sport. The film highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and creating inclusive opportunities that let everyone enjoy experiences of play, wellbeing and sociability.
Produced with a GBP 3,500 budget, the film is neither a student project nor the director's debut. It was completed on 30 January 2024.
Film Information
Title: The Care Home League
Original title: The Care Home League
Direction: Ike Walker
Production: [not specified]
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Running time: 4 minutes and 31 seconds
Genre: Documentary, short film
Sport featured: Park Golf
Main subject(s): Care-home residents in Scotland
Completion date: 30 January 2024
Premiere: [not stated]
Distributor: [not stated]
Shooting format: Digital, 16:9, colour
Director's first film: No
Student project: No