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Archie’s Suit, Tie, and Shilling: Football Memories Programme Helps Father and Son Connect

Fri 17th January 2025

Meet Archie and his son Mark. Archie attends the Foundation’s Football Memories programme. The project helps to improve the lives of football fans with dementia by using football images and memorabilia from the past to aid recall and memory.  They talk about teams and matches from the past and work with images to stimulate memories and conversation.

Recollection of great games, players and occasions can be spectacular, and some fantastic stories emerge from the group sessions.  We have invited several former players along to our sessions, which has been extremely popular, and participants can enjoy a ‘half-time’ snack.

Archie was diagnosed with dementia last year but has thoroughly enjoyed attending the Football Memories sessions since his diagnosis. Mark explained how he and his dad first became involved in the project.

He said:

“When my dad was diagnosed, he was assigned a post-diagnostic link worker who told us about the programme. She came round for a visit to the house and asked my dad what he liked to do. She mentioned the Football Memories programme at Ibrox and for us it was a no-brainer.

“The thing that made us both want to come along in the first place was just to get my dad out and about, talk about football and just be in a room with other people that are maybe in the same situation as my dad.

“I knew he would enjoy coming here and he really has and it’s a great way to start the weekend for us.”

Mark’s dad Archie has been a Rangers fan all his life. From the Barca Bears to Rangers winning a 55th league title, Archie has seen it all and collected some incredible stories too.

He said:

“My first game at Ibrox was just after the second world war. My dad took me to the stadium for the game in 1947. I think the match was against Aberdeen and I remember that we won 3-1.

“When I was younger, I used to work as a post boy, and I had a parcel to deliver. The package was addressed to a Mr William Struth and when I gave him it, he gave me a shilling and a complementary ticket for Rangers vs Queen of the South. I remember going to the game and sitting in the main stand in my suit and tie. I think the match finished 4-1 to Rangers. I still have that shilling somewhere.”

The sessions have provided an opportunity for the father and son duo to connect and talk about something they are both passionate about, Rangers Football Club. Mark explained why this is such an important thing for both him and Archie.

He added:

“I’ve enjoyed bringing my dad here too because I’ve learned things, and we talk about games and players that I didn’t know about. Being able to get him out and about and just do things like this with my dad is just great. It’s really enjoyable for me personally but at the same time, I know my dad enjoys it too which is the main thing. I can’t thank the Foundation for getting us along and keeping us coming.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air to be perfectly honest with you. To able to come to Ibrox with my dad and spend some quality time together with like-minded people is just priceless.”

This season the Foundation’s Football Memories and Walking Football programmes have been generously supported by Club sponsor BOXT. They are now in their third partnership season with Rangers FC, with BOXT branding continuing to feature on the shirt sleeve, alongside their presence in and around Ibrox Stadium through LED advertisements, static in stadia branding and match day branding.

Mark also said how important programmes like Football Memories can be for residents in the local community.

He added:

“BOXT funding sessions like this is crucial. From my dad’s perspective, he doesn’t get out much and I’m sure a lot of the other elderly gentlemen and ladies that attend might be in the same situation so it’s very important that programmes like this stay running and I’d thank to thank BOXT from both me and my dad.”

Archie added:

“Every session just brings back good memories for me. I’ve met some good friends since I’ve been coming which is nice. I enjoy the company up here.

“I really appreciate Mark bringing me here and it’s something I look forward to each time.”

Feedback on the programme from participants and their carers has been fantastic and the project has really helped to boost the confidence and self-esteem of those taking part, as well as provide an opportunity for carers in similar circumstances to get together and have a break and chat over a cup of tea.

The group meets on the second and last Friday of every month in the Ibrox Community Complex (opposite Ibrox Stadium) between 11:30am and 12:30pm.

If you or someone you know are interested in coming along to the Football Memories group, please contact the Foundation on 0141 580 8775 or email rachaelcosgrove@rangers.co.uk

The Rangers Charity Foundation is grateful to have received funding for this programme for season 2024/25 from BOXT.

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