National Football Museum inspires us!

Football fans supported by our charity shared their passion for the sport during an exclusive online event we hosted with the National Football Museum on Wednesday 13 September.

Hosted on ‘What To Do’ (www.What-To-Do.co.uk), the session was led by the museum’s Participation Producer Louise Rutherford, who presented important objects from football’s history. Participants learned about England’s historic 1966 World Cup win through a replica of the iconic Jules Rimet Trophy, as well as the early histories of both the men’s and women’s games through shirts and balls.

Sharing experiences, football trivia and even taking part in a football chant, the event connected fans with learning disabilities from across the UK, giving an accessible insight into what’s on offer at the National Football Museum headquarters in Manchester city centre.

Developed by Community Integrated Care, ‘What To Do’ supports our charity’s ‘Best Lives Possible’ mission of going beyond care to enable people to follow their passions and fulfil their aspirations.

Nigel Redmayne, who is supported by Community Integrated Care and joined the experience said, “I loved seeing the old football shirts and balls that they used to play with, which got heavy in the rain. It reminded me of playing football growing up with my friends. It was really interesting, and I learned so many new things about football’s past.”

Louise Rutherford, Participation Producer at National Football Museum, said, “Being part of the What To Do online programme enables us to open up the museum to audiences who may not be able to visit in person. We are really pleased to work with Community Integrated Care, to use museum collections to stimulate memories, open up conversations and connect people.

This is central to our ‘Football Creates’ initiative, which uses the unrivalled power of football to engage people and communities in creativity, championing inclusion and improving wellbeing.”

Lewis Webster, Sports Inclusion Communications Manager at Community Integrated Care, said, “We were thrilled to work alongside the world’s biggest football museum, and provide such an engaging and accessible learning experience for football enthusiasts.”

Check out our highlights from the session now!