Kickstarting a new hobby in later life – Steven's story

Kickstarting a new hobby in later life – Steven's story

Steven was offered the opportunity to attend Falkirk Football Club matches this season. He is a carer for his wife who has Parkinson's Disease. He had been caring for his wife for two years before seeking support from Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre. Before being offered breaks to the football, Steven said he felt stressed out and was becoming increasingly depressed, this was not what I had planned for my retirement. His wife's diagnosis had a significant impact on both of their lives and Steven found the changes very challenging. 
 
Surprisingly, football was never a sport that Steven had ever been interested in, and whilst he had attended one or two football matches in the past, it was not something he considered doing more regularly. Steven had never been to a Falkirk Football Club match but when he was offered the tickets this season, he decided to give it a go. He went to his first Falkirk match on 26th October, and the rest is history. Steven is now a football fanatic, and he was delighted to be able to attend a number of matches across the 2024-25 season.

Steven said that he loved the atmosphere of the Falkirk matches, particularly the crowd and the drums being played during the games he said this really added to the experience! By attending matches, Steven was able to meet new people and get to know others who shared his newfound love for the game. He felt that this break was beneficial as it was something he could do for himself, where he could switch off and not worry about his caring responsibilities for a while "the pie and Bovril were good too"

Steven said that after taking these breaks to Falkirk Football Club matches, he felt lifted. He could go to the Stadium and leave his worries and stresses behind. Steven said: "If I’m honest, I enjoyed the football so much that I am really missing it now that the season is over” 
 
Steven was thrilled to be able to attend the final match of the season where he watched the team he had grown to love win the Championship. He said the atmosphere was incredible! He was so pleased that his team were being promoted to the Scottish Premiership that he has now purchased his very own season ticket so he can head to every match for the 2025-26 season! 
 
After a fantastic season Steven is thoroughly looking forward to next year. This opportunity has truly made a massive difference to his life in such a short space of time. The offer came at just the right time and not only has it given him breaks throughout the season, but it has opened doors for the future as he now has a regular hobby and has found something that he truly enjoys. Steven has also been attending the Under 18’s matches to support one of his family members who plays for them, which provides even more opportunities to take a break away from his caring role.

To protect anonymity, the name of the carer has been changed.