A RUGBY club is set to unite generations of spectators as young players help trigger fond memories of playing or watching sport in yesteryears.

Darlington Mowden Park RFC has teamed up with The Sporting Memories Foundation to invite older fans from across the Darlington borough to visit their home ground on Saturday.

Mowden Park, based in The Northern Echo Arena, off Neasham Road, will take on Rosslyn Park for a National League Division One match this weekend.

The game coincides with the kick-off of the club's community programme bringing together guests from care homes and community groups in Darlington to enjoy a display of memorabilia.

Images of the game will include a remarkable personal library of books for the Try for Change event, 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 more than 30 years, Terry reported on 11 Lions tours, having first toured with them in 1962.

Fans will be able to browse the books and programmes included in the collection.

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

Anne Rose, community manager at 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.”

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 based in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire.

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.”

For more information on the event taking place this Saturday, call Mowden Park RFC on 01325-350267 or visit mowdenpark.com