Foundation supports new Hall of Fame gallery at the National Football Museum

The National Football Museum’s new Hall of Fame gallery has been created in partnership with The Players Foundation and celebrates the icons, pioneers and legends who have defined English football.

The new gallery in Manchester, which officially opened to the public last week, features rare and unseen objects from a host of Hall of Fame inductees, including Stanley Matthews, Jill Scott and David Beckham.

Established in 2002, the Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the English game. More than 200 players, managers and teams have been inducted, including record England goal scorer, Ellen White, who received her award at a special ceremony to mark the opening of the gallery.

The Hall of Fame Gallery brings a series of remarkable football stories to life through iconic objects, rare memorabilia, and the moments that made them unforgettable. Among those inducted into the Hall of Fame is Brendon Batson OBE, the current Chairman of The Players Foundation, who received his award in 2024. 

Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: ‘Our Hall of Fame celebrates the people who have made football the game we know and love today. This new gallery allows us to tell those stories in a way that is immersive, brought to life with unique objects from our Football Heritage Collection and has kindly been supported by The Players Foundation.’

David Harrison, CEO of The Players Foundation, added: ‘We are delighted to be supporting the Hall of Fame gallery which champions many of the legends of the English game. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 now underway, this is the perfect moment to celebrate the achievements of such great names. I look forward to joining the thousands of football fans who’ll be visiting the new gallery.’