The idea
This project will capture Chorley’s rich football history through the voices of fans, players, and the community. We’ll record their memories and bring them to life with a public exhibition and a podcast.
The exhibition, hosted at local venues, will feature photos, memorabilia, and recorded stories, giving everyone the chance to connect with our football heritage. Workshops and storytelling sessions will make it a truly interactive experience.
By celebrating these stories, we’ll unite generations, inspire local pride, and preserve our shared history for the future. This is Chorley’s story—told by the people who made it.
What we'll deliver
- Record 40+ interviews with fans, former players, and community members to capture Chorley’s football heritage.
- Create a public exhibition featuring photos and memorabilia from Chorley FC’s history.
- Create a public exhibition featuring interactive audio stations where visitors can listen to recorded stories.
- Create a public exhibition featuring digitised archives of historical items, accessible to the public.
- Produce a podcast series with 8–10 episodes, sharing the stories of Chorley’s football legacy.
- Host storytelling workshops to teach oral history techniques to volunteers and schools.
- Publish a digital archive of stories and memorabilia, ensuring the project’s legacy is accessible online.
Why it's a great idea
Chorley’s Football Stories will preserve the rich history of football in Chorley, capturing the voices of fans, players, and the community to create a lasting archive for future generations. This project will unite generations by sharing stories, memorabilia, and experiences, fostering a stronger sense of pride and belonging. It will tackle isolation by reaching out to older residents, ensuring their memories are valued, while inspiring younger people to learn about their local heritage. Through exhibitions, workshops, and a podcast, the project will be accessible to all, encouraging cultural engagement and celebrating the town’s identity. By bringing people together, Chorley’s Football Stories will showcase the unifying power of football and its role in shaping the community.
Steps to get it done
- Record at least 40 interviews with fans, former players, and community members.
- Edit and produce 8-10 podcast episodes featuring recorded stories.
- Host three exhibitions at Victory Park, Chorley Library, and a community centre.
- Run community storytelling workshops to teach oral history skills and continue the legacy.
Chorley’s Football Stories will celebrate over 140 years of football history, preserving the voices and memories that have shaped our town. With fewer than five surviving players from the 1960s, the time to capture these stories is now. This project will unite generations by sharing treasured memories, photos, and memorabilia, fostering pride in our shared heritage. Through exhibitions, workshops, and a podcast, we’ll ensure these stories are accessible to all, tackling isolation among older residents and inspiring younger people to connect with their roots. Football has been at the heart of Chorley for generations—this is our chance to preserve its legacy for the future.
