INTERVIEW: Why Sunderland’s Fans Museum Is More Than Just A Place To Show Football Memorabilia

You might think that Sunderland’s Fans Museum is just a place to look at memorabilia related to Sunderland Football Club, but it’s a lot more than that. Here, I spoke with museum founder Michael Ganley.

Michael has a wonderful collection of all things football and Sunderland-related, from the original physio table at Roker Park and shin pads from the ’80s, to the infamous Liverpool beach ball that Pepe Reina would rather forget. But it’s the museum’s work with charities and people in need that truly deserves to be highlighted. It’s a place that gives purpose to those who are struggling — a safety net for those who need help.

The main thing I took away from the interview was how selfless Michael is, both about the museum and himself. His main goal is helping others, and the work he does with dementia support, using the beautiful game to help people keep their memories alive, is both fantastic and ongoing.

I thought it was just a football museum, but it’s a safe haven for people who need a fresh start or a kick-start in life. On the day I visited, Michael was taking some of the regulars from his sessions to the Academy of Light to wave off the Sunderland players as they headed to Coventry for the first leg of the playoffs. Things like that are priceless for people living with ADHD, autism, or dementia — it could make their whole year. And Michael doesn’t gloat about it. He’s not in it for personal glory; he’s in it to see the smiles on their faces as they wave the lads off to Coventry.