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Story added: 16th January 2026
January can be tough, but football has the power to lift spirits. That’s why we’re proud to support Scan to Smile, a new EFL initiative running from 23–31 January, designed to spread positivity and showcase the incredible work happening in our community.
By scanning QR codes around the stadium on matchdays, fans can unlock uplifting stories like Kirsty’s, whose life has been transformed through the support of Norwich City’s Community Sports Foundation.
As part of the EFL’s new Scan to Smile campaign, we caught up with Kirsty to hear how football and community support have made a real difference in her life.
Kirsty and her grandmother Dorothy have been attending Duncan’s Club, our weekly dementia support programme at The Nest, and it’s transformed their Thursdays.
“The first day we came was the first time I’d seen grandma laugh and smile for a long time,” Kirsty told us. “She was joining in, dancing and singing—it was a lovely moment.”
Duncan’s Club is the only weekly session of its kind in Norfolk, named in honour of Norwich City legend Duncan Forbes. It offers a safe, welcoming space for people living with dementia and their carers to connect, reminisce, and stay active.
For Dorothy, it’s a chance to meet new friends and enjoy activities like quizzes, chair exercises, and even bingo. For Kirsty, it’s about quality time:
"I’ve set my work schedule around Duncan’s Club so I can bring grandma every Thursday morning. Everyone is so caring and understanding—grandma can just be herself."
Kirsty
Particpant's carer
Every season, EFL Clubs engage over 1 million people and generate more than £1 billion in social value.
Behind those numbers are real people, real challenges, and real change. Duncan’s Club is proof of that impact—helping families like Kirsty and Dorothy’s feel supported and connected.
Volunteer Sue summed it up perfectly:
“We chuckle a lot and there’s so much positivity in the sessions from both participants and carers—that’s what makes Duncan’s Club so special.”
Read more about Kirsty and Dot’s story here
Join in with Scan to Smile
From improving mental health and tackling loneliness to boosting education, confidence, and employability, these stories show that football’s impact goes far beyond the pitch. Look out for QR codes around the stadium during the Norwich City vs Coventry match on January 26 at Carrow Road. Take a moment to scan, smile, and celebrate the power of football in our community.
Visit EFL Scan to Smile
Duncan’s Club sessions take place at The Nest on Thursdays from 10:30am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 2:00pm, and are free to join.
Duncan's Club
16th January 2026
Where football meets friendship: supporting families through dementia
4th December 2025
From December 2025, Foundation partners Reed Wellbeing will be offering free health checks at Carrow Road twice a month.
18th September 2025
Dorothy and her granddaughter Kirsty have recently started attending Duncan's Club, our support programme for people with dementia, every week at The Nest. We caught up with ahead of World Alzheimer's Day to see what the club has meant to them on their family’s dementia journey.
3rd February 2025
Jack Wilshere and Tony Roberts join Foundation participants to officially open The Store and The Box at The Nest.