Background – Sport Unites Project

Much has been written about the First World War and the sacrifices that were made by many people. However, less has been written about the role that sport had in the UK and amongst the soldiers abroad during the war years.

November 2014 marked one hundred years since the end of World War One and members of Red Rose Sports Club discussed what the role of sport was during the War. The result was the development of the ‘Sport unites’ project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Sport Unites Project

“To explore the impact the First World War had on sport and sporting events, particularly cricket and football”

The outputs of the project were:

  • Twenty five people complete a questionnaire assessing their knowledge of the War and the role of sport
  • Learning sessions delivered to increase awareness of the sport during the War
  • Analysis and re-enactment of the Christmas Day Truce football match
  • Production of publicity materials of the project.

Outcomes

Over eighty people took part in the project through participating in learning sessions, completing a questionnaire or learning about World War One through research and football.

  • 55 participants completed questionnaire
  • 63 participants took part in learning sessions
  • 15 participants took part in learning through football sessions
  • 21 participants took part in the ‘picture board’ learning
  • 150 Reports, 4 display boards and 500 leaflets produced