England Dementia Campaign: Players Ditch Names on Shirts

In a powerful display of support for those affected by dementia, the England men’s national soccer team will take an unconventional approach during their upcoming friendly match against Belgium. For the second half of the game, the players’ names will be removed from the back of their jerseys, leaving only the iconic Three Lions crest.

This striking gesture is part of the team’s ongoing partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, aimed at raising awareness about the debilitating effects of dementia and its most commonly associated symptom – memory loss. By temporarily erasing their identities from their jerseys, the England players hope to spark conversations and encourage fans to learn more about this devastating condition.

Alzheimer’s Society CEO Kate Lee emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “We hope this striking gesture with the players’ shirts will once again get fans across the country talking, and thinking about the signs and symptoms of dementia.” She further urged fans to support their loved ones and seek early diagnosis if they suspect someone may be affected, as a timely diagnosis can be crucial in managing the condition.

The England vs. Belgium friendly, scheduled for Tuesday at the iconic Wembley Stadium, comes just three days after the Three Lions’ narrow 1-0 defeat against Brazil. However, the team will be without several key players due to injuries, including captain Harry Kane, defensive stalwart Harry Maguire, and experienced full-back Kyle Walker. Youngsters Rico Lewis and James Trafford have been called up from the under-21 squad to bolster the ranks.

England’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Society began in 2022, with the men’s friendly against Switzerland designated as the first Alzheimer’s Society International. The women’s team followed suit last April, dedicating their match against Australia to the same cause. These initiatives aim to leverage the global reach and passionate fanbase of English football to raise awareness and support for those affected by dementia.

According to Alzheimer’s Society, dementia is “the UK’s biggest health and social care crisis,” with one in three people born in the country at risk of being diagnosed with the condition. This staggering statistic underscores the urgency of addressing the issue and providing support for those living with dementia and their caregivers.

As the whistle blows for the second half against Belgium, the nameless England players will take to the field, their jerseys serving as a powerful reminder of the impact dementia can have on memory and identity. Through this bold gesture, they hope to inspire fans to engage with the cause, donate towards research, and advocate for early diagnosis and support for those affected by this devastating condition.