Former Cardiff City players help tackle dementia through expanded 1927 Club

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Cardiff City FC, is proud to announce it has been awarded £25,000 from the Premier League and PFA Players’ Fund to expand their 1927 Club project, in partnership with the Cardiff City FC Former Players’ Association.

At the heart of the project is the role former Cardiff City players have in reconnecting supporters through shared memories, conversation and a lifelong love of football.

Named in tribute to Cardiff City FC’s historic 1927 FA Cup victory, the 1927 Club provides a welcoming social space for individuals living with dementia, alongside their families and carers. Through football reminiscence, social interaction and shared experiences, the programme helps reduce isolation and improve wellbeing among participants across South Wales.

This new funding will allow the Community Foundation to significantly expand the project across multiple local authorities, delivering three weekly sessions over a 48-week period in community settings including care homes and dementia cafés.

A key part of the programme is the involvement of former Cardiff City players, who attend sessions as active participants rather than guest appearances. By listening, sharing stories and spending time with supporters, former players help create a genuine sense of belonging for those attending.

Led by Roger Gibbins through the Cardiff City Former Players’ Association, participating former professionals include Tarki Micallef, Gary Bell, Jimmy Mullen, Dave Giles, Lee Jarman and Terry Boyle.

The project reflects the shared commitment of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association to use the power of football and the unique connection players have with supporters to improve lives within local communities.

To mark the partnership, the Former Players’ Association welcomed Dawn Astle, daughter of former England international Jeff Astle and founder of the Jeff Astle Foundation, to Cardiff City Stadium to speak about brain health and the importance of supporting current, former and future players.

The event brought together former players, Club and Community Foundation staff, partners, participants and carers to highlight the positive role football can play in bringing people together and supporting those affected by dementia.

Over the course of the programme, up to 270 participants are expected to engage with the sessions, which combine reminiscence activities, gentle physical activity and peer support in safe and inclusive environments.

Zac, CEO at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Premier League and PFA Players’ Fund for supporting this important project and recognising the value former players can bring within our communities.

“The connection between former players and supporters is incredibly powerful. Through shared memories, conversations and experiences, the 1927 Club creates an environment where people feel valued, welcomed and part of something meaningful.

“This funding allows us to reach more individuals and families across South Wales, particularly within communities where traditional matchday or stadium-based activity may not always feel accessible for everyone.”

Roger Gibbins, Lead at Cardiff City FC Former Players’ Association, shared:

"As a former player, I believe the Former Players’ Association adds invaluable support to the 1927 Club. We can assist with activities, share memories from key eras that hold a special place in our hearts, and, most importantly, help fans reconnect through their shared love of football.

“Building on our partnership with the Community Foundation, the members and I are proud to play a part in this vital work in the community. We especially look forward to the chance to meet the Bluebirds supporters who once cheered us on and relive those amazing moments that mean so much to all of us.

Lee Warren, Community Fund Manager at Premier League Foundation, added:

"We are excited to be working with Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, supporting them to bring their application to life and positively impact beneficiaries, and create greater connectivity between players’ and the communities they serve."