Our Football Memories project brings the past to life to improve the well-being of soccer fans with dementia. Through old soccer stories and memorabilia, we stimulate memory, awaken emotions and create a warm connection.

During Football Memories sessions, seniors come together in a safe and peaceful environment to share memories. This not only helps keep the brain active, but also reduces feelings of loneliness within the Bruges community. The project targets seniors at risk of losing touch with society, offering them a sense of connection and self-worth once again.

Every third Friday of the month, from 2pm to 4pm, we welcome participants to the Club Museum of the Jan Breydel Stadium. In two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute break, we experience unique moments together, with soccer as the unifying force. The enthusiastic reactions of participants and their caregivers show how valuable these meetings are. Self-confidence grows, memories blossom and also for caregivers there is room to exchange experiences, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and cake.

Are you or do you know someone who would like to participate? Feel free to contact the Club Brugge Foundation at foundation@clubbrugge.be.

Football Memories soccer bag

Can't physically attend the Football Memories session at the stadium? No problem!

In collaboration with Erfgoedcel Brugge, the Club Brugge Foundation developed the Football Memories soccer bag: a reminiscence case packed with unique Club Brugge soccer memories. This reminiscence bag can easily be loaned via the Heritage Cell Brugge website: https://erfgoedcelbrugge.be/ma...

Caregivers, family members and caretakers can use the bag to reminisce together, stimulate conversations and enhance the emotional well-being of people with dementia. A valuable tool to create connection at home or in care settings as well.

The project focuses on the following:

• Engaging and connecting seniors who are in danger of losing connection with society

• Providing a safe and peaceful environment for older people with loneliness and/or (incipient) dementia

• Stimulating and supporting the thinking, communication and emotional well-being of participants

• Focusing on participation and inclusion so that participants can continue to participate fully in society

At Football Memories, participation and inclusion are central and participants can continue to participate fully in society by reminiscing together in a familiar environment.