Tea, Biscuits, and Friendly Competition: The Retro Rovers Extra Time Sessions

Have you heard of Doncaster's Retro Rovers?

Retro Rovers have been part of Doncaster since 2015. They’re a friendly, welcoming club for people who still love football and want to keep playing at a slower pace. Their sessions bring people together, create new friendships, and give everyone a chance to enjoy the game in a relaxed, supportive environment.

On 30 January 2025, Retro Rovers held their first Extra Time session — a chance for members to chat over tea and biscuits, play games, and spend time together. I joined them for their launch session and was welcomed straight away. Everyone was warm, down‑to‑earth and happy to get me involved. I played snakes and ladders, tried shuffleboard for the first time, and even got a pool lesson from a very talented member who showed me how to play like a pro.

Towards the end of the session, I sat down with Jan Milner, who runs Retro Rovers, to learn more about how Extra Time came to life. Jan explained that the idea grew from the success of their football sessions. They wanted to offer something more — a space where people could slow down, connect, and enjoy each other’s company. Finding the right venue was key, and Church View Community Centre in Edlington turned out to be the perfect fit.

Once the venue was secured, the focus was on creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere that would encourage people to come along. Bringing in games and keeping things informal helped everyone feel comfortable. Over time, Jan noticed that this friendly environment made it easier for people to open up, build trust, and feel part of something special.

"We hope to develop our group to suit the needs of our community and its residents while offering new and different activities in a safe and welcoming environment”

Retro Rovers is set to have a positive impact on people’s mental health by providing a welcoming space where individuals can connect and build meaningful relationships. The group’s playful and friendly atmosphere ensures that everyone feels comfortable from the moment they arrive. For older individuals who may not often have the opportunity to get out or see others, Retro Rovers offers a much-needed sense of companionship and engagement. Beyond personal connections, the group helps revive a sense of community, bringing people together in a way that fosters support, joy, and a shared appreciation for nostalgic fun. One of the residents who attended the first extra time session shared that she "Finally has something to look forward to."

This was incredibly heart-warming to hear. Retro Rovers was granted the Community Investment Fund to support their group, providing them with funding for things such as the equipment and games needed for the sessions, as the sessions would address improving lifestyle choices, keeping people active, support social and mental wellbeing, which met the criteria for the fund. One of our fabulous Well Doncaster officers, Georgia, supported Jan with the funding application which she was then successful with! Jan found the support for the funding “Brilliant” – we were thrilled to hear this!

“The Panel felt that this was a good use of Capital Funding specifically to such a local grassroot organisation doing so much good in the community. The fact that they were using an underutilised premises and that they were looking at walking activities that the older generation would be able to join in with.”

-Panel of the CIF Funding

For the last question, I asked Jan for some words of encouragement for anyone looking to attend a group like Retro Rovers but are unsure if it’s right for them. Or maybe they are a little scared to take that first step.

For anyone unsure about joining, the question to ask is, “What’s the worst that can happen?” The hardest part is simply walking through the door—something that can feel daunting at any age. However, once inside, everything becomes easier. The sessions welcome both watchers and doers, with the hope that, over time, those who start by observing will feel comfortable enough to take part and fully engage in the experience.

The Well Doncaster Team congratulates Jan and Retro Rovers in their successful journey so far, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Retro Rovers!

Find their Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1386859968948701/