Arrowe Park Asda launches 'Nanzone' for elderly football fans

The launch announcement coincides with National Loneliness Awareness Week this week, as research reveals that 1.9m over 65s will be watching the football alone this summer.

The first ‘Nanzones’ will open at Asda stores in Watford, Manchester and Arrowe Park on June 20 as England face Denmark. Football décor, food, drink and transport will be provided, and fans can enjoy the excitement of the game together.

With traditional fan-zones often overwhelmingly populated by more boisterous crowds, in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation, the new dedicated Nanzone spaces have been specially created to cater to the older generation to ensure they don’t end up following the football alone at home.  

The fanzones for senior citizens are completely free to enter and the areas will be decked out with football decorations and refreshments, offering a safe and friendly environment.    

The supermarket is putting out a nationwide call for Britons of all ages to check in on an elderly relative, friend or neighbour during the Summer of Sport, sitting with them to enjoy the game, or whatever sporting event they’re keen to watch. People of all ages are also welcome and heartily encouraged to watch the game in a Nanzone alongside elderly fans.  

David Hills, chief customer officer at Asda, said: "Sport has a way of bringing people together like nothing else. That’s why we want to use the power of football fandom to help strengthen community spirit this summer – and the Nanzones sit at the heart of that ambition.

"Our colleagues and customers really care about supporting the elderly in their communities, and we hope that by encouraging the nation to join our pledge to bring people together, we can help combat loneliness and social isolation.” 

For anyone wishing to attend the first Nanzone event at Arrowe Park on June 20, please contact Asda's local community champion: Community_ArrowePark@asda.co.uk