Sports fans invited to share memories at new Exeter City FC group

A special social group designed to encourage men over 50 to come together and talk about sports and memorabilia has been launched in Exeter.

The weekly group, held at the Grecian Centre at Exeter City’s stadium, aims to offer a welcoming and friendly environment for older men to mix and mingle with others who share a common bond of sport.

During the two-hour sessions, held every Wednesday morning, participants can talk about their favourite sporting memories, or bring along their collections of programmes, photos or other memorabilia to share with the group.

Organisers from the University of Exeter and the Exeter City Community Trust are also on hand with more memorabilia, and also to facilitate discussions amongst those present. As well as discussions, the group can also enjoy a walk around the St James’ Park stadium, while there is also an opportunity to play some games such as indoor bowls.

The Exeter group is part of the Sporting Memories Network, which facilitates similar groups around the country.

Dr Ali Haggett, from the University of Exeter and one of the organisers said: “The group is a wonderful way for men who may have recently retired, or feel a little isolated, to come together and talk about common interests.

“We really try and organise the sessions around what the participants want to do, its very informal and we try to make it as relaxed as possible. In the future we also want to plan some visiting talks, again depending on what the members want.”

The sessions are run every Wednesday from 9.30-11.30 at The Grecian Centre, St.James Park, Stadium Way, Exeter. For more information please either call Peter Ferlie on 01392 255611 or email peter.ferlie@ecfc.co.uk.