Older Rugby fans from community groups and care homes are being invited to the Northern Echo Arena ahead of kick off when Darlington Mowden Park RFC take on Rosslyn Park in National Division One.

The club and community programme have teamed up with Topcliffe based charity The Sporting Memories Foundation for the event, that will see younger players from the club help recall visiting guests’ fond memories of watching or playing Rugby.

A display of memorabilia and images of the game will include a remarkable personal library of books on the game that were donated by the family of the late Terry O’Connor, founding member of the Rugby Writers Club and former chair of the Sports Journalists’ Association.

Having been Daily Mail rugby correspondent for over 30 years, Terry reported on 11 Lions tours, having first toured with them in 1962. Fans will be able to browse books and programmes included in the collection.

Anne Rose, Community Manager, Darlington Mowden Park RFC said; “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Sporting Memories Foundation on this project. We very much look forward to welcoming older members of the community to the Arena to share stories and reminisce about past sporting events.”

Tony Jameson-Allen, Co-founder of The Sporting Memories Foundation said; “We’re looking forward to a great day with the club and the local community to celebrate the history and heritage of rugby here in Darlington. Bringing generations together to share stories and record memories has multiple benefits for all those involved, fans will also be able to find out more about the exciting plans we have to bring free, weekly Sporting Memories groups to the area with the team at Mowden Park.”

The event kicks off at 12.30pm at the Northern Echo Arena with older fans also invited to take in the game against Rosslyn Park at 3pm.

The event marks the start of a partnership between the two organisations, with plans to launch weekly Sporting Memories groups being drawn up by the club and charity. Please call Mowden Park RFC on 01325 350267 for more details.