The Stockport County Players Association and the County Community Trust are to launch a brand-new Players’ Project Pilot, The 90 Minute Club, which is designed to provide reminiscence opportunities to local people aged 60 and over.
The project is supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association. Administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.
Hosted at Edgeley Park, the iconic home of Stockport County, this weekly, 90-minute long programme will support Stockport residents living with dementia (early onset, middle and later stage) as well as those experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
Led by the Trust’s Health and Wellbeing staff team alongside specialist partners, the 90 Minute Club will be our first ever sporting memories programme. By working closely with the Stockport County Players Association, sessions will also welcome current and ex-footballers as special guests throughout the year.
The first 45-minute ‘half’ will focus on different County-themed activities designed to evoke positive memories of Stockport County, including music, games and recollections of iconic matches and legendary players.
The second half will comprise a question-and-answer session with past and present Stockport County footballers who will chat about their unique experiences of the club (and may even bring along some of their own memorabilia).
There are an estimated 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK and one in three people will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. However, studies have shown that sporting heritage can play a powerful role in improving the quality of life of those with the condition, positively influencing their cognition and mental health, helping to maintain a sense of identity and unlocking a string of happy memories.
Said Health and Wellbeing Manager Eddie Owen: “We’re thrilled that Premier League funding will enable such a meaningful project. A person’s love for their football club lasts a lifetime, and even as the years go by those bonds remain strong.
“Our 90 Minute Club aims to reach out to elderly people in our community who might not usually seek help. We hope these trips down memory lane will encourage attendees to connect with their past and rekindle happy thoughts and feelings that may have previously remained hidden.”
These sentiments were echoed by SCPA Chairman Oshor Williams who added:
“Players past and present are excited to be part of this initiative, which we believe reinforces the Club’s commitment to making Edgeley Park a wellbeing hub for the people of Stockport.”
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