The National Football Museum has announced the launch of a new multi-language audio guide to tell the story of the beautiful game.
The Objects that Shaped the Game focusses on 36 iconic objects within the museum and the Football Heritage Collection, delving deeper into tales of glory, exploring seminal moments in football history and investigating some of the challenges the game has faced.
Available in five different languages: English, French, Spanish, German and Mandarin Chinese, the audio guide will make it even easier for visitors to explore some of English football’s most treasured objects.
Starting at the creation of English football’s rules, the audio guide allows visitors to explore objects at their own pace in the museum’s Match Gallery.
Visitors can find out more about England’s 1966 World Cup triumph and the mystery surrounding the Jules Rimet Trophy or uncover more on the trailblazers behind England Lionesses’ trophy triumphs, including objects from the museum’s latest Hall of Fame inductee Ellen White.
Through the guide, visitors can also explore modern footballing moments that shaped history. Objects related to the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster provides more information on the tragedy, the work of the Hillsborough families and the disaster’s legacy in improving stadium safety in English football.
Created by the National Football Museum’s expert curators, the audio guide sheds light on issues of homophobia and the story of LGBTQ+ pioneers like Justin Fashanu and the impact of influential Black footballers like European Cup winner and England international Viv Anderson.
It also explores how football has become a more inclusive sport through the stories of pioneers like Hall of Fame inductee Steve Johnson.
Tim Desmond, CEO at the National Football Museum, said: “At the National Football Museum, every object has a story to tell. The Objects that Shaped the Game audio guide helps our visitors to explore deeper into the stories that shaped English football, its unrivalled history, and another way to make our award-winning venue even more accessible.
“We are delighted to have added this multi-language audio guide to our offer, making the history of the beautiful game even easier to explore.”
Owen Rogers, co-founder of Hayra, said: “We’re thrilled to be the technology behind the National Football Museum’s new audio guide. The NFM’s ambition was an engaging experience visitors could step straight into, with no app download barriers, hardware or fuss. That’s precisely where Hayra excels. Working with the museum and Imagineear to deliver it has been a real pleasure, and we can’t wait for visitors to explore.”
Rich Wiglet, head of sport at Imagineear, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the National Football Museum on their new audio guide experience. As a team of football fans, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring the archives at this iconic museum.
“The NFM team shares our vision for celebrating the people’s game, and that aligns perfectly with Imagineear’s goal of first choice for content and language solutions for visitor attractions in sport. We’re incredibly proud to bring the stories, history and heritage of the game to life through the power of audio.”
The Objects that Shaped the Game audio guide is available now for an introductory price of £4. It can be purchased online during the ticket booking process, as well as in venue on the day.