Rotherham United Community Trust (RUCT) is expanding its Memory Club initiative across the borough to support people living with dementia and their families, thanks to funding from the Players’ Fund at the Premier League Foundation.
Dementia is a growing national challenge and a significant issue within Rotherham. Around 3,000 people aged 65 and over are currently living with dementia locally, and diagnosis rates suggest there are still gaps in early identification and support.
Research has also highlighted a strong link between professional football and dementia, with former professional footballers around three times more likely to develop dementia than the general population. For many people affected by the condition, football memories remain a powerful and meaningful way to reconnect with the past.
Participants often report confusion when navigating services, feelings of isolation, and anxiety about the future. RUCT’s expanded Memory Club programme aims to directly address these challenges by creating welcoming, supportive spaces built around shared football memories.
The expansion builds on the successful Memory Club model developed by former Rotherham United F.C. defender John Breckin, which currently supports around 40 people each month.
With new funding from the Players’ Fund, RUCT will now deliver:
- Fortnightly Memory Club sessions at the AESSEAL New York Stadium
- Satellite sessions across Rotherham, helping more people access support closer to home
- Guest speakers, including health professionals, former players and community leaders
- Intergenerational activities involving students from the RUCT Sports College
- Dedicated support for carers, including breakout spaces and specialist advice
The sessions use football memorabilia, photographs, stories and shared experiences to spark conversation and reminiscence. Football memories are widely recognised in dementia care as powerful tools that can support emotional wellbeing, communication and social connection.
A key part of the project will be the involvement of people connected to the football club itself.
Players from the Rotherham United men’s first team, Women’s team, academy players and former professionals will attend sessions, helping to create memorable experiences for participants. Former Millers favourites including John Breckin and Carl Stancliffe are among those expected to support the sessions.
These visits offer participants the chance to share stories, talk about matches and relive moments from the club’s history, often triggering powerful memories and meaningful conversations.
Alongside the social sessions, the project will introduce a new dementia guidance website, based on RUCT’s existing information booklet.
The platform will provide clear, accessible advice for people living with dementia and their families, helping them better understand available services, diagnosis pathways and local support.
Carers will also be supported through dedicated spaces within sessions where they can access advice, share experiences and receive guidance from partner organisations.
The expanded Memory Club programme will also work closely with the NHS Memory Service, strengthening links between community support and clinical care.
This partnership will allow:
- Direct referrals into Memory Club sessions
- Clinical professionals attending sessions to provide advice and guidance
- Greater awareness of dementia support across the borough
By combining football, community connection and professional support, the programme aims to make navigating dementia services easier for local families.
RUCT believes football can play a powerful role in improving health and wellbeing within the community. Through the expanded Memory Club programme, the Trust hopes to reduce isolation, build supportive networks and create meaningful experiences for people living with dementia and their loved ones.
As the programme grows across Rotherham, Memory Club will continue to provide a space where people can share stories, reconnect with treasured memories and feel part of the club community once again.
To find out more, email health@ruct.co.uk.
