“Football has brought back a piece of his identity”: We are CITC - Duncan’s story | OneFootball

Each month, Manchester City’s Charity, City in the Community (CITC) is spotlighting its work and programmes through the voices and stories of its participants across Manchester.

This month, CITC sat down with Tracey, whose husband, Duncan, regularly attends the charity’s Walking Football sessions, despite being diagnosed with dementia.In this interview, Tracey talks the transformative power Walking Football is having on her husband. Sitting down with CITC, Tracey discussed how they initially found out about the programme after Duncan was first diagnosed with dementia 2023. She said: “When my husband was diagnosed with dementia, it felt like our world shifted overnight. As a man who had always been incredibly active, with a lifelong passion for sport and fitness, his diagnosis came with challenges that we never imagined we would face.  “The man who once owned a boxing gym, coached football, and ran marathons now found himself feeling lost without the purpose and structure that sport had always provided. No longer able to work or drive, he faced long days of boredom, which took a toll on his confidence and happiness. “Then we discovered City’s Walking Football Programme, and everything changed.” After joining the sessions, Tracey told CITC that the tailored approach to inclusion and acknowledgment towards his diagnosis has allowed Duncan to thrive within the Walking Football environment.  Adding: “Walking football has been an absolute game-changer, and that’s not just because of the sport itself, but because of the incredible coaches who run the sessions.  “They’ve created an inclusive environment where my husband feels welcomed and valued. Importantly, they’ve made small but meaningful adaptations to accommodate his needs.  “For example, understanding how changes in routine can cause him confusion, they’ve ensured consistency by keeping him on the same pitch and avoiding switching the direction he’s shooting.  “These thoughtful adjustments might seem small to others, but they have made a world of difference for my husband, allowing him to participate confidently and avoid unnecessary frustration.” Tracey continued to discuss how the session allowed Duncan to rediscover a sense of purpose and joy during a time that is challenging for him, as well as those around him: “Walking football has given my husband a sense of purpose again.  “He attends multiple sessions each week and comes home with a big smile on his face, eager to share stories about the games, his teammates, and his achievements.  “It’s a part of his week he genuinely looks forward to, and it’s brought structure back into his life. The social benefits have been profound—he’s made new friends who share his love of football, and he enjoys reminiscing with them about his younger years. “Beyond the friendships, these sessions keep his mind active. He’s making decisions during games, staying physically engaged, and sparking conversations that tap into his long-term memories.

“This kind of mental and physical stimulation has been vital in helping him manage his dementia and maintain a sense of independence.” “Having been unsure if Duncan would continue with sport after his diagnosis, Tracey went on to discuss how he has been able to continue doing what he loves through CITC Walking Football. “For a man who has always thrived on pushing himself and setting big goals—whether it was coaching a team, running a marathon, or tackling obstacle courses—walking football has brought back a piece of his identity.  “This programme has shown us that with the right support, he can continue to do what he loves. Watching him rediscover his passion for football has been one of the most uplifting experiences for our family.” Not only has Duncan taken a lot away from the Walking Football session, but Tracey has also been provided with an indirect benefit, through seeing her husband’s confidence grow. “As his wife, it’s been incredible to see him re-engage with life in this way. He feels proud to be part of something again. The walking football programme hasn’t just improved his quality of life—it’s improved ours as well.

“Seeing him happy, active, and socially connected lifts a weight off my shoulders. It reminds me that there is still so much joy and fulfilment for him to experience, even as we navigate the challenges of his dementia.” Tracey finished her chat with CITC, expressing a heartfelt thank you to the coaches for their support and inclusive environment they’ve created for Duncan during the session. “I cannot express enough gratitude for this programme and the coaches who make it possible. They have created a space where my husband feels included, valued, and understood.  “Walking football has given him more than just a sport—it’s given him a community, a purpose, and a reason to smile every week.  “It has truly changed his quality of life, and for that, we are endlessly thankful.”

With thanks to Blue Emergency Cover for their support of the We Are CITC series.

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To find out more, visit: https://blueemergencycover.co.uk/City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.  To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity.