Good Morning Lovelies, 

Since I was little, the world of football has taken over my family's lives. Growing up with three brothers, each who supported a different team and a football mad dad, meant that there wasn’t ever a day where I didn’t hear or see a football match being enjoyed. Especially around the time of the World Cup. 

Inspiring us all to head out and play a game at my local park, I would spend hours and hours enjoying the delights of kicking the ball and scoring a goal. Something I am sure that many families enjoy too, which is why a trip to the National Football Museum is a must this summer. 

Having kindly been invited to take a trip to see what they had to offer, the museum welcomed the blog with open arms, as it shared iconic programmes, archived footage and the opportunity to have endless fun for all ages. Even those of us who were not big football fans enjoyed it, with the need to kick a ball or to take part in the interactive elements within the museum hard to resist.

Based in Manchester, the home of some of the biggest teams in the league, the museum celebrates local and global talents, meaning every supporter can enjoy it, including the blog's newest little bloggers Olly and Lucas. Looking around each room, you can spot the familiar colours of your team and many more easily, bringing an excitement to your soul. 

Though some of the real highlights of the museum have to be the special exhibitions that they have to offer. All included in the price of the ticket, which allows you access into the museum for a whole year, the exhibits all focus on something that is pivotal to the time. During our visit, we found that the team were focusing on the financial barriers of football and how hard fans have had it when it comes to being able to enjoy their teams. A fact that can still be felt today in some ways. 

There was also a great section of the museum dedicated to the way that the human body is affected when playing the game, called Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals. From the focus that the mind takes to the enduring impact it has on a player’s physique, the museum has carefully created this exploration with sensory tools and mindful movements. It was honestly unlike any exhibit we had seen before and that made it a real joy to experience. 

The museum also pays homage to the great footballing history this country has earned, through endless pieces of merchandise, memorabilia and trophies that are available able to be held. The trophies capture the real essence of the game and how much hard work is put in by the players from teams all over the country including Leeds United, Spurs, Arsenal and more.

As the world prepares for the World Cup to begin, the National Football Museum is the perfect place to really get stuck into the joys of the game! Full of exciting new exhibits that capture the essence of the game, whilst embracing the heart of being a fan of the game, it is a place that will make fans out of anyone, even if they don’t like football. It is a place that really shoots and scores, making it a must-do experience for the whole family this summer lovelies!

Joey X