As well as being an important part of our history, developing heritage projects around sport can be a great way for you to reach a wider and more diverse range of people.

Silverstone Heritage Experience

The Silverstone Heritage Experience project received £9.1million in National Lottery funding to open up the racetrack and facilities to future racing drivers and fans.

The money will help celebrate the racetrack which is at the heart of the motor racing industry.

The project which is due to open in 2019 will create a permanent exhibition showcasing motor racings past, present and future at the iconic track.

The ‘Sheffield Rules’

Four schools from across Sheffield met at the oldest football ground in the world: Sandygate Road, home to Hallam FC. They played a unique football tournament using the original 1858 rules, known as the ‘Sheffield Rules’. It was adjudicated by Uriah Rennie, a former Premier League referee, who wore tradition Victoria clothing.

The ‘Sheffield Rules’ which were banned after just 20 years allowed players to push each other, catch the ball and score a secondary goal throuigh posts away from the main goalposts.

The project received £7,400 in National Lottery funding.

Yorkshire’s summer of sport

With the football European Championships and the Olympics in Rio, 2016 really was the summer of international sport.

Slightly nearer to home, the Parks to Pavilions project was awarded £50,000 in the same year as part of a series of projects in Yorkshire. It saw young people working with the AYA Foundation to collect memorabilia and interview the founders of the oldest Asian-led cricket leagues in Britain, the Quaid-e Azam Sunday Cricket League in Bradford. The project produced a documentary and an exhibition which was displayed at Headingley in time for England’s One Day International against Pakistan.

How can HLF support your sporting heritage?

With sport being an important part of the UK’s pastime, HLF support has helped bring many sporting heritage projects to life.

Get in touch to discuss any ideas you have as we are always happy to help groups look after and share heritage from around the country.