
by Belle Sorrell
Vale of Leven Academy recently launched a Sporting Memories Virtual Club in partnership with the Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland.
Nathan Williamson, Abbi Pilkington and Lucy Oliver are sixth year students who volunteered to organise and run the club – the first of its kind in the UK.
These intergenerational sessions connect younger and older people through sport.
Why did you join the Sporting Memories Club?
Nathan: I want to have a future within sporting and coaching.
I was interested in the opportunity to experience leading a group.
Abbi: I’m going into nursing so the club helps me develop a caring perspective with others.
Lucy: I am also going into a caring role so it’s beneficial to learn about working with older people.
What have you gained from the Sporting Memories Club?
N: It has given me a better sense of organisation through having regular meetings on Thursdays and completing dementia training and Zoom training.
L: It’s a good way to build your confidence and I found the dementia training quite beneficial.
How has the Sporting Memories Club helped you throughout lockdown?
N: It has made lockdown a lot easier.
It gave me something to look forward to throughout the weeks, especially when we were in full lockdown at the start of the year.
A: Being able to meet up with the group, have a laugh and hear how everyone was doing was really helpful.
L: The club gave me something to look forward to and was a great way to meet new people.
What is the best aspect of the Sporting Memories Club?
N: It’s such a friendly environment. When you join there’s no need to prove yourself, you’re just welcomed into it.
And if you come along you’re in for a very good laugh.
A: The fact that you can have a laugh and it’s not serious. There’s a good atmosphere.
The Sporting Memories Virtual Club runs on Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm.
To join or find out more contact Maurice Donohue on 07393 284406 or email ma*****@th****.uk\n