Scotland’s first ‘nan zone’ set up to allow elderly to enjoy Euros with pals

A fan zone is set to be launched to allow elderly people in Scotland to watch the national team in Germany from a ‘nan zone’.

Pubs are set to be packed to the rafters as punters gather to cheer on Steve Clarke‘s men in Munich in the first game of the Euros on Friday evening.

Supermarket giant Asda has decided to create the area for older people after new research revealed more than 1.9 million over 65 will be watching the biggest football tournament alone this summer.

Ahead of the first Scotland game on Friday Asda has created the first ‘nan zone’ at the Maryhill supermarket, giving older people the chance to come together with other supporters.

Community Champion Ryan Rooney has organised an event with a local church group at Blairdardie, in Drumchapel, to bring people together in the community.

Bosses are encouraging Community Champions across its Scotland stores to create their own nan zone events,

According to a poll by Asda, 60 per cent of people surveyed think more needs to be done to tackle loneliness with the elderly highlighted as the group most in need of support.

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 nan zones 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.”

Ryan Rooney, Community Champion at Asda Maryhill, said: “It’s been great fun bringing the community together to chat about all things sport, we have so many passionate fans of all ages here getting behind the Scotland team, it’s great to bring them all together and have a bit of debate on how we’re going to do in the tournament. Come on the Tartan Army!”

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