Kortrijk – KV Kortrijk launched its inaugural “Football Memories” event at Guldensporen Stadium, engaging nine fans and caregivers in an experience designed for individuals living with dementia. KVK legend Dieter Schwabe, alongside staff from the Alzheimer League, guided participants through nostalgic moments from the club’s history, providing a valuable sense of community, reports 24brussels.
The afternoon featured a transformed environment within the stadium’s dressing rooms, allowing attendees to recollect past events associated with KVK. Support was offered by specially trained staff who ensured a comfortable and memorable experience for all involved.
“A few weeks ago, we did receive training,”
noted Buddy Pol Vervaeke, the former head of security at the venue.
“It’s fun to help and bring people together. We shared a lot of anecdotes, and I noticed that it gave the people with dementia a sense of security this afternoon.”
What makes KV Kortrijk’s “Football Memories” special for dementia fans?
The highlight of the gathering was KVK icon Dieter Schwabe, who played for the club from 1970 to 1982. Schwabe shared his personal memorabilia, including old photographs and jerseys, enriching the event with anecdotes from his playing career.
“It was nice to talk to people and answer questions,”
Schwabe stated.
“I noticed that people with dementia still recognise me, which isn’t always the case with younger supporters. You also see them brighten up when I talk about the old days, when much more was allowed than now.”
“You see, they brighten up when I talk about the old days.”
Dieter Schwabe, former player of KV Kortrijk
Els De Coster, a staff member from the Alzheimer League Flanders, emphasized the significance of such events in fostering connections through a shared passion for football.
“The people with dementia and the buddies share a passion: football,”
Each session highlights specific historical periods or notable players, tapping into memories that remain vivid for participants with dementia. During the KVK event, attendees participated in a group quiz, facilitating story-sharing and interaction. KV Kortrijk is the fifth Belgian club to implement this initiative, following the lead of Club Brugge, Racing Genk, Sint-Truiden, and Westerlo, which have partnered with the Alzheimer League.
“The plan is to meet every first Friday of the month for Football Memories,”
Bauwe Dezeure of KV Kortrijk said.
“This first instalment has already gone very well.”
The “Football Memories” program in Belgium commenced in 2022, a collaborative venture by the Pro League and Alzheimer League Flanders aimed at supporting football fans affected by dementia. Club Brugge was the first to kick off this influential series of events, with subsequent gatherings hosted by Racing Genk, Sint-Truiden, and Westerlo, each tailored to evoke poignant memories of the past.