Could Sheffield get a museum to mark the "Home of Football"?

[SheffieldForum]

Campaigners advocating for Sheffield to be officially recognized as the "home of football" are optimistic about opening a dedicated museum in the city. The Sheffield Home of Football (SHOF) charity has outlined a "longer-term aspiration" requiring approximately £2 million in funding to achieve this goal.

 

A Rich Football Heritage

Sheffield's significant contributions to football history are undeniable. The city boasts around 50 footballing "firsts," including the creation of the modern rules of the game and being home to the world's oldest club, Sheffield FC. Historian and SHOF trustee Steve Wood is confident that funding opportunities will emerge. "The short-term aspiration is to do all the things that can get us there," he stated.

World Heritage Site Ambition

The campaigners even aspire for Sheffield to be designated as a World Heritage Site for its pivotal role in football's history. Currently, Yorkshire has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the village of Saltaire near Bradford and Fountains Abbey near Ripon. The SHOF charity argues that football's significance to Sheffield is as vital as The Beatles' association with Liverpool.

Plans for Engagement and Education

To bolster their campaign, the trustees plan to introduce regular walking tours and an app to guide users around Sheffield's footballing landmarks. "Sheffield has the credentials to be recognized by UNESCO as the official home of football," said Mr Wood. "If there's one place that can have that argument, then it's Sheffield. There isn't anywhere that comes close."

Commemorating Football's Founders

A blue plaque was recently unveiled at 9 East Parade in Sheffield city centre to honor Sir Nathaniel Creswick, a founding figure in football who worked in the building. Mr Wood highlighted that other influential football figures also lived and worked nearby. He likened 9 East Parade to Liverpool's Cavern Club, famously associated with The Beatles. "Football is bigger than Shakespeare and The Beatles, so therefore 9 East Parade is Sheffield's Cavern Club," he asserted.

Future Museum Prospects

While 9 East Parade is too small to house a museum, Mr Wood noted that nearby buildings up for lease could potentially host the museum. "There are possibilities in that part of Sheffield to develop something. A museum is still an aspiration for Sheffield because it needs somewhere to display its rich football heritage," he said.

Continuing the Campaign

The SHOF charity remains committed to making Sheffield's footballing history more accessible and recognized. With a blend of historical significance, community engagement, and an ambitious vision, they are determined to see their dream of a football museum and World Heritage status come to fruition.

[Al Bundy]

Hope they succeed.

 

[MJ01]

Plenty will disagree but personally I find it all rather tedious - it's been done bigger & better elsewhere - move on

[Andy_terrier]

Isn't Sheffield FC planning something similar at their new ground?

[Ridgewalk]

Sheffields a living football mausoleum. 

[bassett one]

why not invest the cash with sheffield fc and invest it with there museum thay are building?

[MJ01]

18 minutes ago, bassett one said:

why not invest the cash with sheffield fc and invest it with there museum thay are building?

Anyone investing anything with Sheffield FC need their heads looking at

[iamwoody]

No chance if Sheffield council are anything to do with it

[choogling]

A grave of football would be more appropriate

[Delbow]

With the state of the city's two clubs at the moment, wanting a national football museum is like Spurs demanding a place in a European Super League.