National Football Museum in Manchester awarded by Arts Council England

The National Football Museum in Manchester (England) has been awarded "designation" status by Arts Council England, on the 03/09/2013. The museum's collection as been recognised as a vital part of England's cultural and artistic heritage.

Opened in Preston in 2001 before moving to Manchester in 2012, the museum aims at preserving and valuing the history of football.

The Council's "designation" programme identifies the national and international importance held by museums, libraries and archives in England, other than those directly funded by the Government. This is the first time that a sporting collection has been granted this status.

"The fact that the National Football Museum has been awarded designation today is testament to just how significant their collection is. The 'beautiful game' does not just affect sports fans, but also plays a far wider role in our national culture," said Scott Furlong, director of the acquisitions, exports, loans and collections unit at Arts Council England on the 03/09/2013.

"We are truly proud that our outstanding collection has won designation…