The Alzheimer’s Society will be The Football Association’s official charity partner for the next two years.
The charity said the partnership would aim to use the sport’s reach to increase support and generate significant funds and awareness of dementia.
A spokesperson for the charity said the FA’s previous partnership, which was with the mental health campaign Heads Together, raised £500,000 “and we hope to raise at least this amount to make a real difference to people affected by dementia”.
The charity said the arrangement would help ensure The FA and local football clubs around the country could refer employees, players, former players and fans to the charity for dedicated dementia support, while raising greater understanding of the condition among the footballing community.
The partnership will also aim to create a network of dementia-friendly facilities and upskill The FA’s employees, so people living with dementia and their families could return to and stay connected to the game.
As part of the partnership, FA employees will be offered the chance to volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society and the charity will advise The FA and provide research expertise to further understand the cause of dementia and its risk factors.
The move comes amid increased scrutiny of the link between dementia and heading footballs.
The partnership will be launched at The FA Community Shield match between Leicester City and Manchester City on Saturday (7 August) at Wembley Stadium.
Kate Lee, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “For so many fans and former players living with dementia, that passion and common interest is their form of escapism after a diagnosis.
“Our partnership with The FA is a huge step in changing how people experience dementia within the sporting industry.
“Together, we can help ensure that millions of football supporters and their families know our services are here, change how fans and players receive support and create a dementia-inclusive industry, so people with dementia can continue to remain part of the game. Together, we can showcase the power of football to change lives for the better.”