Dementia support through football: A review of community-based interventions

Quick-read summary

Dementia rates are rising both in the UK and globally, and people living with dementia need better, more personalised support. Football-based activities are one way to deliver this support.

Researchers looked at football-based dementia support activities and how they were delivered. They also looked at the impact they had on people living with dementia, and the people who care for them.

The research found that football-based dementia initiatives provide meaningful and positive opportunities for social inclusion and support.

Positive benefits included increased sociability, improved mood, enhanced communication, and a strengthened sense of identity and belonging. Some interventions also reported physical benefits, such as improved mobility.

Carers benefitted from respite opportunities, peer support, and enjoyment from seeing relatives more engaged.

The activities were often delivered through professional football clubs and the charitable foundations linked to them, with formats ranging from reminiscence therapy sessions to walking football. They all used the shared culture of football to help people feel included, valued, and connected.

This delivery through community football clubs and other community organisations is a good way to address inequities in dementia care, especially in areas of disadvantage, because football clubs are often located in areas of disadvantage,

Football-themed activities offer a powerful and culturally familiar way to reach older adults with dementia, particularly for older men.

Who is this evidence useful for?

Anyone involved in delivering or commissioning care for people living with dementia, carers and family members of those living with dementia, community and voluntary sector organisations.

What’s the issue?

Dementia rates are rising both in the UK and globally, and people living with dementia need better, more personalised support. However, there are gaps in the provision of services that truly meet people’s needs. Football‑based support is one approach that may help fill these gaps, especially within areas of socioeconomic deprivation.

Research summary

Researchers searched already-published studies and other materials linked to community programmes that used football themes or football activities to support people living with dementia.

They looked at:

Who took part
What the programmes involved
What benefits were reported

The programmes varied widely, but most were run by:

Professional football clubs
Club‑linked charities or community foundations

Common formats included:

Reminiscence sessions using football memories, photos, or memorabilia
Walking football and other gentle physical activities
Social groups held at football stadiums or club facilities

Key findings

Across the studies, participants often showed:

More sociability and willingness to interact
Better mood and enjoyment
Improved communication
A feeling of belonging within a community
Some programmes reported better mobility or increased physical activity

Carers described several positive effects:

Respite and a break from caring responsibilities
Peer support from meeting other carers
Happiness from seeing their relative more engaged and uplifted

Football clubs are often located in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, meaning these programmes can reach groups who:

Are less likely to seek formal support
Are at higher risk of isolation
May not engage with traditional dementia services

Why is this important?

As dementia becomes more common in the UK and worldwide, there is a growing need for community‑based activities that help people stay socially connected and engaged. Football is deeply-rooted in many communities, making it a powerful way to reach people who might otherwise feel isolated or overlooked.

Football‑based dementia programmes can offer meaningful, culturally familiar, and enjoyable support for people living with dementia. Because they are often delivered through local football clubs, they may help reach communities that face health inequalities or are less likely to engage with traditional services.