The PNECET Sporting Memories programme is an initiative run by Preston North End Community and Education Trust alongside the Sporting Memories Foundation, which forms part of our Extra Time Hub programme in partnership with the EFL Trust bringing people of retirement age together to do things that they enjoy.
The initiative is open to all adults, but is primarily designed to support those living with dementia, depression and loneliness - and their families - and those wishing to talk about sport with like-minded people.
Sporting Memories specifically aims to help people reminisce about previous memories, experiences or moments in their lives through the power of sport. Sports memorabilia, past sporting events, physical activities, quizzes and guest speakers are used to create discussions around sporting events and memories.
"My mum and dad thoroughly enjoyed Sporting Memories. It is a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere. My dad doesn’t live at home and has advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia, but he was happy and relaxed at Sporting Memories, bringing great joy to all the family."
Sessions are held every Tuesday morning, from 11am until 12:30pm, in Finney's Cafe in Heartbeat at Deepdale. Participants can meet outside the venue from 10.45am before being escorted inside the cafe by a member of PNECET staff.
There is still capacity to host guests via Zoom, with a weekly Zoom link available by emailing Health and Wellbeing Officer grace.birtwell@pne.com. A guide to using Zoom is also available on request.
Learn more about Sporting Memories by contacting Health and Wellbeing Officer Grace Birtwell, either on 01772 693309 or by emailing grace.birtwell@pne.com.
Below: Legendary former PNE defender Paul Huntington (top left) joined participants for an online session in 2021.
