Footie fans get a day to remember
Bully Wee organise special sessions to help those with dementia
Elderly football fans with dementia and Clyde FC supporters are hoping to get a kick out of a new programme which sparks match day memories.
The Bully Wee have teamed up with the Clyde FC Community Foundation to deliver a day to remember on Wednesday, June 20 and a group will then meet on a monthly basis thereafter.
In partnership with Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum, the Football Memories Project is taken around the country for people with dementia who have an interest in football.
Fans will have the chance to talk about teams and matches from the past and work with images and tangible memorabilia to stimulate memories.
Tom Elliott, community development manager, said: “We are reaching out to all areas and ages of the community and I’m really looking forward to hearing some fascinating stories.
“And, of course, with all football there will be great debates, banter and good humour.”
Some famous names have supported the football memories programme including Sir Alex Ferguson, Willie Miller and ex-Clyde and Scotland manager Craig Brown.
Craig, an ambassador for the Football Memories Project, managed the Bully Wee for nine years from 1977 until they left Rutherglen in 1986 when he took charge of their last ever game at Shawfield.
He said: “I’m delighted to lend my support to the excellent work being carried across Scotland by the Football Memories Project.
“Dementia affects many people across all of society which is reflected in football, including many dear friends, teammates and greatly respected opponents who are either suffering from it or having succumbed to it.” Michael White from Alzheimer Scotland visited Clyde recently to train a few of their volunteers, including club historian Gordon Sidney.
Gordon said: “Our football club has a rich history –140 years –and I’m looking forward to seeing some of our older supporters coming along and hearing some of their great stories from the past.”
From July, monthly sessions will be delivered at Broadwood Stadium and will last around 90 minutes with tea, coffee, pies and Bovril being made available at half-time.
The monthly sessions will include old pictures and memorabilia to help recall the players, images, goals and incidents from the past.
Clyde legend Dick Staite visited Broadwood to hear more about the Football Memories launch.
He helped fill the Harry Beaton memory box which was full of old items that help stimulate conversation including football boots and a Scotland scarf. Dick said: “I’m pleased to support this worthy programme and encourage the community to come along to the launch at Broadwood.
“The Harry Beaton memory box that’s been put together is wonderful, not only for the Clyde FC fan but for any football fan.”
The programme starts on June 20 from 1.30pm to 3pm in the Arria Lounge at Broadwood Stadium.
To take part and register for a place, please contact Tom Elliott on 01236 263309 or email tom.elliott@clydefc. co.uk.