Football fever has taken hold at a Devon donkey charity, with residents practising their football skills ahead of England’s World Cup opening match this evening (Wednesday 17 June). 

Twenty-three donkeys, who are all part of the Donkey Assisted Activities group at The Donkey Sanctuary, have been showing off their agility, balance and fancy hoofwork through football-themed enrichment activities at the charity’s site in Sidmouth. Many of the footballs were donated by local East Devon football club Feniton FC.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off last week and is being hosted by three countries: Mexico, Canada and USA. England men’s team will play Croatia in their first group match at 9pm this evening in Dallas, Texas.

Jose, a resident at The Donkey Sanctuary, has been enjoying the football-based enrichment activities.

Natural talent

Donkeys are naturally alert, sure-footed and great communicators, they thrive as part of a team and stay calm under pressure – all qualities any footballer would be proud of.

Enrichment activities are a vital part of the donkeys’ lives. They prevents boredom, ensure physical and mental stimulation and encourage them to play and interact with different objects as well as their environment.

The charity put the footballs on the yard/field as part of a three-week rolling rota so that the donkeys do not become bored with the same object. They play with them on their own but also like to get other donkeys involved.

The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen who was appalled by the state of the donkeys she saw at a market in Exeter. She started buying the donkeys who were in the worst condition and The Donkey Sanctuary was registered as a charity in 1973. Since then the charity has transformed the lives of millions of donkeys around the world.

Images © The Donkey Sanctuary.

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