FA Cup trophies make surprise appearance as the Memory Café welcomes record-high attendance | OneFootball

A surprise appearance was organised as part of The FA and Alzheimer's Society's Support the Supporters campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the signs of Dementia, while encouraging fans to take the first steps in seeking an all-important diagnosis.

Newcastle United's Memory Café has grown into the North East's biggest football drop-in session for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer's, with more than 125 guests in attendance for the special cup-themed session hosted at St. James' Park.

Attendees spent the morning hearing from the Magpies' last cup-winning captain, Bob Moncur, who joined guests to relive the club's successful Inter-Cities Fairs Cup win in 1969, before reflecting on his memories of leading the team out at Wembley in the 1974 FA Cup Final.

Each month, the Memory Café reunites attendees with past generations of fan favourites, using stories and artefacts to stimulate conversation through memories of games from years gone by. Alongside engaging in the Q&A in the aptly-named Moncur Suite, guests at this month's session were given a chance to pose with two of world football's most recognisable trophies.

Speaking at the Memory Café, Moncur said: "I first got involved in the Memory Café when it was created five years ago. In the early days, we had around 30 people attending so it's satisfying to witness how much it has grown and grown.

"I think it's great what the club does to keep in touch with older people through the programme, particularly those living with Alzheimer's and Dementia. It can be surreal to see how people's faces change when discussing football - suddenly they're engaged and memories come flooding back.

"Welcoming the FA Cup trophies, with such an illustrious history, has been the perfect way to kick-off the first Memory Café of the year and it's been a privilege to share recollections of past cup ties with a record-high number of attendees here today."

Matt Hughes-Short, Strategic Change Programme Manager at Alzheimer's Society, said: "Newcastle United's Memory Café is a great example of the impact clubs can make in their local community and we have been delighted to bring a little cup magic along to today's special session alongside our partners at The FA.

"Our Support the Supporters campaign is hoping to shine a light on programmes, like Newcastle's, at clubs across the country, whilst also calling on fans to understand the common dementia symptoms to look out for and the importance of diagnosis. Dementia is the biggest health and social care issue of our time, but one in three people living with it don't have a diagnosis. A diagnosis can change the game, unlocking the door to treatment, care and support. We know that getting this diagnosis doesn't mean you suddenly stop becoming a football fan, which is why support networks like the Memory Café are so important to so many supporters."

Since being established in 2019, the programme has grown to support up to 125 individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer's disease - along with their families - by combining football with the provision of referrals for medical assistance, should further support be required.

Session takes place on the last Thursday of each month and are free to attend. People can register interest by contacting the club on unitedasone@nufc.co.uk or telephone via 0191 201 8407.