A CUMNOCK football supremo wants to use the beautiful game to bring back special memories for those living with dementia.

Derek King is set to launch the town’s first ever Football Memories sessions after he received training from the SFA to implement the memory-stimulating sessions.

The Cumnock Juniors Enterprise coach who also runs Walking Football is hoping to see older residents benefit from discussing watching their teams glory days, or remembering the golden era of Scottish Football when World Cup tournaments and victories over the Auld Enemy were a common occurrence.

Derek told the Chronicle: “We want to start running Football Memories. We’re going to give it a try after Walking Football sessions then hopefully we can get people from care homes in the sessions as well.

“We already have an ex-Sheffield United player and MBE Billy Smith who talks after a game, all the other guys sit and listen to him talk away. Everyone is captivated.”

Armed with unique archive footage. Derek is ready after engaging with other inspiring sessions across East Ayrshire where he witnessed the full benefit Football Memories can have.

He said: “I’ve got a box of memories the SFA supplied it to us. It’s got old videos of Scotland beating England in 1986. I also have a login in for the national archives so I can access pictures from any chosen club and that could be put into a slide show to help people remember things.”

“One photo can trigger a memory of someone with dementia. It’s amazing to see. There was one time I sat and watched a session, and this guy came to life when Kris Boyd was mentioned. One thing like that can help them remember and interact.”