University Challenge

The notable increase in academic research into football over recent times has now seen the appointment of Kevin Moore - Director of The National Football Museum - as the first Director of the International Football Institute at the University of Central Lancashire.The notable increase in academic research into football over recent times has now seen the appointment of Kevin Moore - Director of The National Football Museum - as the first Director of the International Football Institute at the University of Central Lancashire. Both organisations are based in Preston.

Speaking to UClan’s official web site, a delighted Mr Moore said: “Much has already been achieved by the Institute. In September, Dr Jonathan Magee led a highly successful conference which attracted over sixty delegates from the UK and overseas.

“My role is to build on this success so that the International Football Institute becomes one of the leading centres of its kind in the world. Cutting edge research taking place at both the University and the Museum will be made available not just to academics, but also to the general public, through exhibitions, events and publications.”

Dr Graham Baldwin, UCLan’s Dean of Academic Innovation, commented: “In establishing the International Football Institute in partnership with the Museum, the University recognised the outstanding opportunity that the presence of The National Football Museum in Preston represents.

“The Museum is not just of national significance but has strong international links, with bodies such as FIFA and UEFA. This was demonstrated when Joseph S. Blatter, the President of FIFA, visited the Museum in September to open the FIFA Centenary Exhibition.

“England is recognised worldwide as the home of football, and this is why the work of the Institute is not just national but also international.

“The International Football Institute has achieved a great deal over the past year. Under Kevin’s leadership, we will build on this success.”

The IFI is a partnership between the UCLan and The National Football Museum which aims to develop research on all aspects of the game.

Our photo shows another successful Preston team - the North End squad that won the Second Division championship in 1950-51.