FA helps to net hundreds for Alzheimer’s Society with charity tournament

The tournament was arranged as part of Alzheimer’s Society’s partnership with The FA, where for the next two seasons, the two organisations are working together to support players and fans affected by dementia.

The six-a-side event was won by the Premier League with second place handed out to the Football Foundation.

Entrants donated to the charity to play on the day and a raffle with prizes including a signed Marcus Rashford print and signed England shirt, meant the day raised a total of £1180 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Aside from the main event, players also had the chance to trial walking football, a format of the game which is proving popular for many with dementia. The slower pace and reduced physical contact makes the game more accessible to those who want to continue playing or haven’t played a lot in the past.

Local team of 60+ year olds Arsenal Strollers put new players through their paces, giving an exciting demonstration of the sport.

The number of people living with dementia in the UK could fill Wembley stadium ten times over. There are 78,700 people estimated to be living with dementia in London including more than 2,000 people in the Borough of Wandsworth where the tournament was held.

The FA’s Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: "The FA are proud to have hosted this charity tournament for the first time, supporting our charity partner, Alzheimer’s Society."

It was a great opportunity to bring our football partners together for the first time since the pandemic and to raise vital awareness and funds for such an important cause.

Matt Hughes-Short, Strategic Change Programme Manager for Sports United Against Dementia at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

It is crucial that people affected by dementia stay connected to their communities.

"By working with professional and grassroots sports clubs we can ensure everyone affected by dementia can continue to enjoy the sports they love and know they can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support.”

The partnership with The FA will raise awareness of dementia amongst the football community and funds for Alzheimer’s Society’s urgently needed support services, which have been used more than six million times since March 2020.

The partnership will also create a network of dementia friendly facilities and upskill The FA’s employees, so people living with dementia and their families can continue to enjoy watching football. Alzheimer’s Society will also be providing research expertise to The FA to further understand the cause of dementia and its risk factors.

Earlier this year, the England Men’s Senior team played in an International against Switzerland, which saw the squad return to the pitch after half time with the names missing from their shirts, driving home the idea that football should be unforgettable.