Chris Griffiths, whose Alzheimer’s diagnosis came as a devastating shock to his family, has always had football at the heart of his life, from playing in local leagues to refereeing youth and adult matches. His passion runs in the family, with his father having played for Barry Town and even trialled for Arsenal.
Being a proud Bluebird supporter, Chris has been attending The 1927 Club at Cardiff City Stadium for two years, after being referred by the Memory Assessment Service (MAS).
Dementia is often referred to as a family disease because its profound effects extend beyond the individual with the diagnosis, impacting their family's roles, emotional well-being, finances, and future planning.
Recognising this, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation provides a warm, welcoming space for people living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s to connect through the game they love. In partnership with Alzheimer’s Society and Sporting Memories, The 1927 Club offers someone like Chris a chance to reminiscence about classic matches and take part in group activities whilst spending time with his close brother Lyndon.
This allows Chris' wife to have some respite on a weekly basis, at no extra cost.
The programme also delivers inclusive activities that support participants’ health and wellbeing, offering sessions such as powerchair football, boccia, chair yoga, curling, and seated ten-pin bowling. Having this safe, welcoming space to try new activities has helped Chris grow in confidence and truly be himself.
These sessions, along with quizzes and games designed to spark conversation and relive iconic City moments, spark the group’s competitiveness and brings out Chris’s sense of humour and his natural ability to lift others. Often described as the life and soul of the project, his gratitude and connection to the group shine through every week.
Despite his diagnosis, Chris continues to share bright, positive stories and memories, and at times even helps guide other participants through conversation and interaction.
The group has also given Chris meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging among people who understand his experience. It has also strengthened his bond with the football club, providing opportunities to tour Cardiff City Stadium, explore memorabilia, enjoy coffee mornings with former players and even meet Head Coach Brian Barry-Murphy.
In recognition of Chris’s passion and presence within the 1927 Club, he was selected as one of 22 mascots to walk out with the England and Wales players at Wembley Stadium.
Before walking out with Craig Bellamy's side, he was also given the special chance to meet Cymru legend Joe Ledley and chat about the life changing experiences he's gained through Cardiff City FC Community Foundation.
Chris and Joe delved into his most cherished memories, iconic matchday programmes, and favourite players - showcasing football’s indisputable power to bring people together and create connections like nothing else.
Chris Griffiths, The 1927 Club participant, reflected:
“The 1927 Club is so much fun. Once you get in there - you’re away! The people at the Community Foundation, both those who run the sessions and those who attend, really make my morning. I always look forward to going. It’s a relaxed atmosphere where you can just be yourself, and the staff have always made us feel so welcome. It’s been brilliant - unbelievable.”
His son Lee added:
"The 1927 Club has made a huge difference to my dad and us as a family. Seeing how much he enjjoys it each, the friendship he's built, and the sen of belonging its given him means everything to us. It also gives us resassurance knowing hes in a supportive and welcoming envonrment. What the Community Foundation has created is generuinley special."
Matthew Pugh, Manager of Services at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, shared:
“We’re delighted to offer such a unique experience for Chris at the Wales fixture against England at Wembley Stadium, while also helping to raise awareness of this condition. We’re so proud to have such a brilliant ambassador for The 1927 Club. Chris truly deserved to be recognised in front of his friends and family on such a big stage.
We’d encourage anyone living with, or who knows someone living with, the condition to come along and join our group every Thursday, free of charge."
Alex Hyde-Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, added:
“We know beating dementia will require the ultimate team effort – and football is the ultimate team game. Players need their teammates, coaches, and fans to support them, and likewise, people affected by dementia need a team of family, carers, and doctors. It will take a society to beat dementia and, as with any successful team, we all have a role to play.”
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