Sunshine, Science & the Beautiful Game: A Memorable Day in Manchester
On a gloriously sunny day, our team and service users boarded the train for a highly anticipated trip to Manchester — a city bursting with culture, energy, and community. With blue skies above and a gentle summer breeze in the air, the journey was filled with laughter, excitement, and the buzz of a day well-deserved.
🏟️ First Stop: The National Football Museum
For the majority of our group, the first destination was the National Football Museum, located in the striking Urbis building in the heart of Manchester. The museum is a must-see for football lovers and non-football fans alike, offering a rich, interactive experience that celebrates the history, spirit, and social impact of the beautiful game.
Our service users had a brilliant time exploring all four floors of footballing fun. Some highlights included:
🎤 Presenting “Match of the Day” – Stepping in front of the camera with a virtual Gary Lineker was a surreal experience, with lots of giggles and some very convincing performances!
🧤 The Shot Stopper Challenge – This popular exhibit let service users test their reflexes as a virtual goalkeeper. The competitive spirit was alive and well, with lots of cheering and high-fives.
⚽ Skills Zone & Penalty Challenge – Dribbling, ball control, and target practice brought out the inner striker in many of our group. It was wonderful to see so much encouragement and teamwork.
🏆 Photo with the Premier League Trophy – A magical moment for football fans, with huge smiles as everyone posed proudly next to one of the most iconic symbols in sport.
The museum also gave us the opportunity to reflect on football’s deeper role in community building and inclusion, with powerful exhibitions on footballers with disabilities, grassroots teams, and women's growing presence in the sport.
🧪 A Smaller Group Explores the Science and Industry Museum
While many immersed themselves in football, a smaller group headed to the Science and Industry Museum, just a short walk away. This museum, located on the site of the world’s first inter-city railway station, celebrates Manchester’s rich history in science, engineering, and innovation.
The highlight for most was the “Brains and Bogies” exhibition – a delightfully silly yet scientifically rich experience that explored how our bodies function in often messy (but fascinating) ways! From sneezing simulations to brain puzzles and slime experiments, it was a sensory experience that sparked plenty of curiosity and giggles.
Other attractions included:
💡 Interactive exhibits explaining how engines work and how textiles shaped the Industrial Revolution
🧬 A look into medical technology and innovations that have changed lives
🚂 Historic locomotives and industrial machines that told the story of Manchester’s past as a powerhouse of invention
🐻 Paddington, Remembered with Love
Toward the end of our day, a few of us were lucky enough to stumble upon a life-sized Paddington Bear statue — a sweet and nostalgic surprise. Many of us gathered around for photos, and in that moment, we were reminded of someone very special.
Seeing Paddington sparked a tender memory of Chloe, who remains very much a part of everything we do. Her joyful spirit continues to guide our journeys, and her memory was felt warmly among us all that day.
💬 Final Reflections
Days like this one are about so much more than just visiting museums or travelling by train. They are about belonging, connection, and creating joyful experiences that live on in our hearts. Whether it was celebrating football legends, marvelling at science, or simply sharing ice cream in the sun, every moment was a reminder of what makes our community so strong.
We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this day happen — from the staff who supported with care and patience, to the service users who brought energy, curiosity, and kindness to every interaction.
Until the next adventure, Manchester — thank you for the memories.