Former referee Dougie Hope and a group of other ex-officials will speak at a series of events for people living with memory loss conditions.

The 'Football Memories' nationwide whistle-stop tour has been organised by Scottish Football Museum and sponsored by Specsavers.

The initiative, which helps to support those with dementia, Alzheimer's and those experiencing loneliness and social isolation, will have its Hampden Park event of the tour hosted by Mr Hope on Thursday, January 25 at 10am.

Glasgow Times:

Having refereed over a thousand matches in Scotland, the Renfrew man will share tales of his career, including his final game, Dundee United's 1-0 victory over Rangers in the 1994 Scottish Cup Final.

Established in 2009, the Football Memories project is a joint effort by the Scottish Football Museum and Alzheimer Scotland.

The initiative hosts 500 groups nationally, with football-themed resources such as newspaper clippings, life-size player cutouts and even old football boots, all contained within a memory box.

Glasgow Times: Mr Hope will host the event on Thursday, January 25 at 10am

Robert Craig, chair of the museum, said: "We are excited to get under way with the first activity in our new partnership with Specsavers.

"Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation."

Crawford Allan, Scottish FA head of referee operations, said: "Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers.

"We are sure their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories."

Glasgow Times: The Football Memories project is a joint effort between the Scottish Football Museum and Alzheimer

 

Arlene Stephenson, Specsavers’ Scottish divisional chair, said: "Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions."

Anyone wishing to attend the Hampden group are asked to register via email (richard.mcbrearty@scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk) by Tuesday, 23 January.

This charitable endeavour continues the long-standing relationship between Specsavers and the Scottish Football Association, a sponsorship deal that extends into 2024.