New exhibition to feature 1966 World Cup ball

A new exhibition featuring a football used in the 1966 World Cup is set to open at Wakefield Museum.

The Playmakers exhibition showcases products made at the factory in Horbury, firstly as William Sykes Ltd, and later under the Slazenger and Dunlop names.

It will also feature a tennis racket used by legend Steffi Graf.

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The exhibition tells the story of how an apprentice from Horbury created one of the world’s leading sports brands.

Residents are invited to attend the celebration event on Wednesday 7 December, from 5pm to 7.30pm.

The event includes special screenings of a film which gives a fascinating insight into the inner workings of the factory, including the social aspect of the company and interviews with former staff.

The new display will be officially opened at the Playmakers Celebration event by Coun Jacquie Speight, deputy cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport.

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Coun Les Shaw, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “We are delighted to welcome this fascinating exhibition to Wakefield.

“The factory created a range of beautifully-crafted sporting goods used in World Cups, FA Cups, Ashes tests, Challenge Cups and Wimbledon finals.

“I encourage residents to visit Wakefield Museum to discover how Horbury was at the centre of high-quality, high-tech sports design for over 100 years.”

The free exhibition opened at the weekend and runs until July 1 2017 at the museum at Wakefield One, Burton Street.

For more information about the Playmakers exhibition, visit www.wakefieldmuseumsandlibraries.blogspot.co.uk

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