The National Football Museum (NFM) has announced plans for a major exhibition recognising the 50th anniversary of England’s victory in the 1966 World Cup.
Funded by a £300,000 (US$440,000, €409,000) grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the museum will host two simultaneous exhibitions in June exploring and commemorating England’s famous 4-2 extra time victory over West Germany in the final.
Taking place at the museum’s home in Manchester and at the England national team’s home stadium of Wembley in London, the exhibitions will look at themes from the tournament, including stories of the players and their families, the fans, and pop culture in England at the time.
Among the items on display will be the ball used in the final, the Jules Rimet trophy and a collection of rare objects, photographs and films.
A major part of the project will be focused around collecting the memories of players and fans from the famous World Cup win. The Sporting Memories Network will work alongside NFM to record and collect the memories to feature in the exhibition and on a new website. This will form a key part of their outreach programme to engage with older people in the Greater Manchester area and use sporting memories to combat the effects of dementia, depression and loneliness.
“We are delighted to be working with NFM to commemorate the achievement of our 66 winners,” said Football Association (FA) chair Greg Dyke.
“I can remember going to games as an England fan and it was an incredible time that brought the nation together. We know now just how unique a moment that was and how special those individuals were on and off the pitch.
“In celebrating what those players did and reflecting on how they united the country, it is right this year that English football is coming together with a renewed commitment to facilities and coaching investment to give ourselves the best chance of one day emulating their remarkable success."