Doncaster Rovers' fixture against Plymouth Argyle celebrated Club Doncaster Foundation initiative Remembering Rovers.

Rovers hosted The Pilgrims in League One on Saturday, but the weekend's match was about much more than just the 90 minutes on the pitch.

Across Club Doncaster Sports Village, Club Doncaster Foundation and its partners came together to celebrate Remembering Rovers - an initiative focused on supporting fans living with dementia and other neurological conditions, while recognising the memories and experiences that make following Rovers so special.

The day provided supporters with a number of opportunities to learn, reminisce and connect with others.

Among those in attendance was Age UK Doncaster, who had a stand at the stadium and provided an opportunity for supporters to find out more about the support available locally and speak to members of the organisations. The Foundation is in partnership with Age UK's Keep in Mind project - a dedicated support service for people living with dementia, as well as their families, carers and friends.

Club partner Bluebird Care attended the pre-match session with a VR headset, which offered the chance for supporters to step into the past and take a look back at familiar places, memories and experiences, designed to encourage reminiscence and conversation around the club's history.

Within the Family Stand, dementia and memory-themed activities gave families the opportunity to get involved, helping to bring the message of Remembering Rovers to the wider Rovers community.

The day also highlighted the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, with Foundation Fitness demonstrating an accessible journey, while highlighting the support available to people who may need additional assistance when attending matches.

For some supporters, simply getting through the turnstiles is not the only consideration when attending a football match. The Fan Cave plays an important role in this, allowing fans to feel comfortable in a safe and quiet space within the stadium, allowing them to step away from the noise and intensity of the matchday when they need a break.

Club Doncaster Foundation's Head of Community Programmes, Nick Gillott, said: 

Club Doncaster Sports Village is somewhere many fans with dementia have visited for decades, and all the activities Remembering Rovers helped bring to life on Saturday allowed them to relive those memories and enjoy the day without many of the concerns that may often be an obstacle. 

And while the result against Argyle didn't quite go Rovers' way, Saturday was about much more than just the football. 

Remembering Rovers is a celebration of those supporters and their memories with the club, and a reminder that every supporter has a place within them.

Nick added: "The success of Saturday’s matchday is a real testament to the participants, carers, volunteers, staff and partners who make Remembering Rovers possible. We are incredibly proud of the project and the positive impact it continues to have within our community.”

In the last 12 months, 28 people living with dementia and 37 carers have attended a minimum of one match at Club Doncaster Sports Village, and Club Doncaster Foundation are hopeful they can continue improving matchdays for even more fans this season.

For more information about attending Remembering Rovers, or if you would like to know more about the Foundation's sessions delivered in partnership with Keep in Mind, contact Nick: nick.gillott@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk.