Premier League and PFA get behind Sporting Memories Network

Working in partnership with community foundations at Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland The Sporting Memories Network launch local projects that will support older fans and help tackle dementia, depression and loneliness.

At the heart of the projects is the use of football and sports reminiscence to engage with and improve the well-being of older people (age 50+) including those living with dementia. Sporting memories network projects across the UK have demonstrated that by using a subject such as football, which has common currency with so many people, especially men, sports reminiscence can put the voice & the memories of older people at the centre of fun & rewarding activity that engage older fans. Sporting Memories Network will work with partners in each of the four projects to recruit volunteers to help with the groups and the projects.

By combining activities that are flexible with appropriate training it allows volunteers, carers and staff to be involved in activities that put the individual's identity, through their words and memories, at the centre of the work; celebrating their stories & increasing their self-esteem by placing real value on their knowledge & experience. This activity often leads to participants also engaging in physical exercises and sports based games.