A NEW group has kicked off in Barrhead in an effort to boot the effects of Alzheimer's out the park, writes Monica Gibson.

Football Memories harnesses the passion people have for football by using pictures and tales of local teams who played around the Levern Water area and further afield.

Organisers hope regular events involving the sharing and enjoyment of football memorabilia will provide members with a fun trip down memory lane, as well as offsetting the early signs of the condition.

Projects involving senior clubs are already successful at the Football Memories Scotland hub at Hampden Park, run in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, and Junior football will now be in focus, including local clubs Arthurlie FC and Neilston Juniors.

The local group will be called Levern Water FC, named after the river which flows alongside both Brig O’Lea Stadium and Dunterlie Park.

Robert Burns, group member, said: “Football fans never forget their favourite teams and players, so it’s an ideal way to jog people’s memories and get people of any age chatting together.”

Francesca McKay, community hub development worker, with Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire (VAER) added: “Why not come along and join the new team for the next fixture of the season in a safe and relaxed atmosphere while reliving those past glories, tales of woe, near misses, the greats, and of course the not so greats?”

The group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, from 10.30am until noon, at VAER’s The Market Place, Barrhead.