“Football Memories” – a social connection
Last week Scotland’s national football team appointed Sebastian Poconogli as successor to Steve Clarke, the man who led the national team to its first FIFA World Cup in 28 years, but ultimately culminating in the traditional disappointment.
Inspired by Scotland’s qualification for football’s showpiece event, the “Football Memories” group at Seaforth House daycare unit have spent the summer discussing, debating and selecting their all-time greatest Scottish Football XI.
Last Thursday with the ink barely dry on the new Scotland manager's contract the group settled the final conundrum: who would manage their Scottish all stars? The group's decision was almost unanimous, with the great Jock Stein at the helm assisted by the formidable Sir Alex Ferguson.
Football Memories groups have sprung up across the country in the last 15 years. A collaboration between Alzheimer’s Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum, they have proved a hit with those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia and with members of the wider community who drop by just to enjoy the craic.
Catriona Macritchie is the head of services for Alzheimer’s Scotland in the Western Isles and Shetland. She explained why the initiative is so resonant in island communities.
“Football reminiscence works really well in remote island communities like ours because football has always been such a big part of local life,” she said. “Lots of people grew up playing for village teams, travelling for away matches, or listening to games on the radio.
“Those memories are shared across generations, so when you bring football into a reminiscence session, you’re tapping into something familiar straight away.
“And it’s not just the local side of football — the bigger stage matters too. People remember the excitement of the Scottish Cup, the pride of following their team through big matches, and the buzz around the World Cup.
“Even if someone hasn’t watched football in years, they often remember where they were during a major Scotland game or a famous World Cup moment. These national and global events become emotional landmarks, and talking about them can spark strong memories, laughter, and a real sense of connection.
“Talking about a favourite team, a big Scotland match, or even the old pitch they used to play on can lift mood, build confidence, and help them feel more like themselves. In a rural area where social opportunities can be limited, having something that instantly gets people chatting is incredibly valuable.”
Crucially, she says, it also “helps with connection”.
“On an island, everyone knows the same teams, the same rivalries, the same local players — and everyone remembers the same big national football moments.
“Once you start a conversation about football, people naturally join in, share stories, and build on each other’s memories. It reduces loneliness and helps people feel part of the community again.
“And reminiscence supports cognitive function too for all. When someone talks about an old match or a childhood memory, they’re re-activating neural pathways that might not have been used in a while. It’s like giving the brain a gentle stretch.
“Because the memories are familiar, people relax, they focus better, and the conversation flows. That back-and-forth chat is great for keeping language skills active, and the social interaction itself is one of the best things for brain health.
“So even simple conversations about football whether it’s the Scottish Cup, the World Cup, or local island matches can help keep the brain active, strengthen neural pathways, and help people feel more connected and confident, which is especially important in a remote island community.”
Graeme Miller, a familiar name in Lewis football circles, has been chairing the Football Memories group since 2018, witnessing many lively debates over the years and recent “controversial” decisions, such as the omission of Dennis Law from the all-time XI.
“It was started about 15 years ago across Scotland through Alzheimer's Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum to support adults with Alzheimer's and dementia,” he said.
“The idea was that looking back at old football memories would help trigger things and enable discussion and support people to feel a bit better about themselves and to help with memory.
“I was asked to be involved along with my friend Angus ‘Charlton’ Murray. I think it was 2018 when we started meeting monthly down in Ionad Stoodie.
“We didn't really know what we were doing, but we kind of stumbled along and put something together, and it was just a great laugh.
“We started doing it monthly, and it just became a kind of forum for all sorts of discussions, not just football but politics, music, and films, and all sorts of things. It worked well.”
However, he said that “Covid came along and obviously that created a different dynamic. Thankfully, Alzheimer's Scotland and its Western Isles branch were very keen to keep going, so we started doing it on Zoom.
“That was interesting, because our technical ability wasn't up to it, but we managed to kind of scrape by. It also helped people who couldn't get there in person to be involved. Folk from the southern isles and people from care homes all over the Western Isles were getting involved via Zoom so there was a positive aspect to that.”
In the aftermath of Covid the group were able to get back to normal and then moved into the new premises at Seaforth House on Goathill – a free kick’s distance from Goathill Park where a number of group members played for many a year.
Such as Ivor Macleod, an enthusiastic member of the group and a former stalwart of Back, Tolsta and Stornoway Athletic.
“I enjoy the group,” he said. “It passes the time for me on a Thursday afternoon. I know the guys like Johnny and Stewart from football although they are a fair bit older than me!”
Ivor thoroughly enjoyed the process of debating and ultimately selecting Scotland’s Greatest Football XI. He didn’t, however, agree with the chosen strikeforce.
“I would have had Dennis Law in before McCoist. McCoist was a great goalscorer but he didn’t have the same impact as Dennis Law did for Scotland”
Despite Ivor’s disappointment the selection is a democratic process. The merits of each player are discussed. Everything from football ability to personality - and even hairstyles and facial hair.
After all these aspects have been comprehensively evaluated, the group votes on who is chosen to be in the team.
Graeme explained the benefits. “Folk have been able to remember things that some of us couldn't,” he said. “So that's what we want. It's very relaxed and foremost, as you see yourself, we have a good laugh.
“But there's so much out there and people have got such strong memories from their own area and their own time and even from just looking at pictures.
“A wee bit of discussion, obviously, triggers things. It's always good to get people around the table, the staff are great and it's good fun.
“People keep coming, so clearly they do get enjoyment out of it. We get good feedback from families in terms of discussion afterwards. Things come to mind and they want to speak to their families about it. So it's very positive.”
Catriona said all are welcome to come and join the discussion at the Football Memories group and explained the support available for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia in the Western Isles.
She said: “If you’re living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, caring for someone who is, worried about memory changes, or simply looking for support, information or ways to get involved across the Western Isles, our local team is here to help.
“Whether you’d like to speak with our dementia advisor, find our more about Solas Day Centre, access our latest ‘At a Glance’ guide with all upcoming peer support groups and community activities, or find out more about brain health, volunteering, or fundraising, you’re welcome to get in touch for a confidential chat about how we can support you.”
They can be reached on on 01851 702123 or email [email protected]. Alzheimer Scotland’s Freephone 24/7 Support Line is also available on 0800 808 3000 or by emailing [email protected].
Just for the record the all-time Scottish XI chosen by the group was: GK Andy Goram; RB Danny McGrain; CB Willie Miller; CB Billy MacNeil; LB Sandy Jardine; LM Davie Hay; CM Graeme Souness; CM Jim Baxter; RM Paul McStay; CF Kenny Dalgleish; CF Ally McCoist.