Stockport County launches sporting memories project

The Stockport County Players Association and the County Community Trust have launched a new pilot project to support older local residents by engaging with their sporting memories.

The 90 Minute Club is designed to provide reminiscence opportunities to local people aged 60 and over experience social isolation and loneliness, and those living with dementia.

The project is supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association and administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund, which helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.

Hosted at Edgeley Park and led by Stockport County Community Trust’s Health and Wellbeing staff team alongside specialist partners, the 90 Minute Club will be the club’s 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 Stockport County Community Trust’s 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.”