England Squad Raises Dementia Awareness by Playing Without Names

In a powerful move to raise awareness about the memory-robbing effects of dementia, the England men’s national football team took to the pitch against Belgium with an unusual twist - their jerseys were devoid of names during the second half of the friendly match at Wembley Stadium.

This striking gesture was part of the team’s ongoing partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, aiming to shed light on one of the most commonly associated symptoms of dementia: memory loss. By removing the players’ names from their kits midway through the game, England sent a poignant message about the challenges faced by those living with the devastating condition.

“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,” said Kate Lee, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society. “By using football to shine a spotlight and increase awareness of dementia symptoms, we hope to not only encourage fans to donate towards our early diagnosis research but also to support their loved ones just as much as they support their football team.”

The initiative was the latest in a series of efforts by the English Football Association to leverage the immense popularity of the sport to drive positive change. In 2022, England’s friendly against Switzerland was designated the first Alzheimer’s Society International, while the women’s team followed suit with a similar initiative during their match against Australia last April.

“A diagnosis can be daunting, but it’s better to know,” Lee emphasized, urging fans to take crucial first steps in seeking a diagnosis if they suspect a loved one may be affected by dementia. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with the condition and their caregivers.

The match against Belgium carried additional significance for England, as they looked to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Brazil just three days prior. However, the squad was dealt a blow with the absences of key players like Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, and Sam Johnstone due to injuries. Rico Lewis and James Trafford were called up from the under-21s to bolster the ranks.

As the players took to the field without their names emblazoned on their backs, the message was clear: dementia may rob individuals of their memory, but the collective effort of the football community can help shine a light on the issue and pave the way for better understanding, support, and ultimately, a cure.

In the end, the scoreline was secondary to the greater cause championed by England’s unique kit decision. By harnessing the power of sport, they aimed to inspire conversations, challenge stigmas, and rally support for those affected by dementia – a true display of sportsmanship that transcended the boundaries of the pitch.