Norwich football group for dementia sufferers celebrates 10 years of bringing people together through shared passion
Norwich's 'Still On The Ball' group has been a beacon of hope for dementia sufferers, offering a unique way to keep their minds active and social connections strong.
For older football fans living with dementia, sharing memories of past games has been a brilliant way to keep their minds active and meet new people. This is exactly what Norwich City's 'Still On The Ball' group has been doing for the past decade. The group meets at the stadium once a month to reminisce about matches prior to the 1970s, providing a safe and supportive environment for members to relive their footballing past.
Organizers from Age UK Norwich said the sessions show how "sport and memory can come together to make a difference." Eddie Edwards, 69, shared a heartwarming story of a woman who joined the group with a loved one living with dementia, and left with her husband. This highlights the group's ability to foster new connections and provide support for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Canaries fan Alan Goodyear, 78, vividly recalled Norwich City's 1959 cup run, including a memorable 3-0 win over Manchester United. He fondly remembered being a child at the game, passed over the crowd to get a front-row view. This powerful memory demonstrates how football can evoke strong emotions and provide a link to the past, even for those with dementia.
The group's impact extends beyond just sharing memories. Peter Woodcock, 82, and John Howard, 79, both emphasized the importance of staying active and engaged. Woodcock recalled a memorable interaction with England World Cup winner Nobby Styles, while Howard enjoyed getting out and talking football, as "sitting about is lethal for me."
Still On The Ball has been running for 10 years, and Age UK's health and community outreach officer Katy Omer highlighted the shared passion for football as a key connection point for members. "We have some people that have dementia and this is a great way of them reliving their past, which is a nice, easy memory to get back for them," she said.
This unique group has not only provided a safe space for individuals with dementia to connect and reminisce, but has also shown the power of sport in fostering community and support. As the group continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary, it serves as a reminder of the importance of staying active, engaged, and connected, no matter the challenges we face.
