London FA team up with The Alzheimer’s Society to offer support for those diagnosed with the disease

The London FA has become one of a number of County FA’s that have teamed up with The Alzheimer’s Society to launch permanent schemes offering help and hope to anyone who has either been diagnosed with dementia or caring for a loved one. The move comes as continued research demonstrates a link between heading the ball often and developing a neurodegenerative disease.

The scheme aims to make the process of getting dedicated support easy and swift for past and present players, managers, referees, support staff and their families. The two-season partnership with the FA aims to raise crucial funds and awareness to support fans and players affected by dementia as well as transforming the way we support people affected by dementia.

“Great sport should be unforgettable - we want to help make sure those who are part of the beautiful game are not sidelined due to their diagnosis and can continue to live fulfilled and meaningful lives by receiving the right support from day one,” said Chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society Kate Lee after the announcement.

She continued: “No-one should face a dementia diagnosis alone, nor suffer in silence, which is why we’re proud to be the FA’s official charity partner and working closely with County FAs up and down the country to embed our services and make sure thousands more have somewhere to turn to during one of the most frightening and toughest times in their lives.”

Participants will benefit from personalised advice and practical and emotional support from Alzheimer’s Society’s frontline specialists, to help them live well with the condition and better prepare for the future. Alzheimer’s Society has stated that this dedicated pathway has already been successfully used and the opportunity for further County FAs to sign up to the initiative will continue after the start of the new year.

Those County FAs joining London with the new initiative also include Suffolk FA, Northumberland FA, Cheshire FA, Middlesex FA, Cumberland FA, Army FA, Birmingham FA, Surrey FA, Staffordshire FA, Lancashire FA, Nottinghamshire FA, Norfolk FA, Manchester FA, Durham FA, Bedfordshire FA, RAF FA, Sussex FA, Essex FA and Cambridgeshire FA.