Rotherham United has pledged its support to Rotherham becoming the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025, with players hailing the move as an “exciting new chapter for Rotherham.”
Demonstrating a commitment to children and young people in Rotherham, the borough has announced that it will become Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025, creating a landmark year where it will showcase itself to the world like never before.
The journey officially launched in February this year, giving people a taste of what’s to come in 2025 and showing Rotherham as a cultural destination and home to a hive of creative talent.
Richard Wood, captain of the Rotherham United team, explains:
"Just as our team has been promoted, so has Rotherham as a town. It feels like we’re gaining a real sense of momentum and being Children’s Capital of Culture provides a platform to really make a difference to Rotherham’s future and ensure it’s recognised for its vast potential. We’re passionate about Rotherham and its people, and bringing our communities together for 2025 will be an incredible experience. It’s an exciting new chapter for Rotherham, and we’re looking forward to seeing the programme continue to grow as excitement builds towards what will be a unique year for our borough.”
Julie Dalton, Chair of the Children’s Capital of Culture Programme Board and managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts which includes Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham, adds: “Rotherham United’s support means so much to us. Their charitable work and passion for widening participation is inspirational and we are proud to have their backing.
“We have learnt so much more about Rotherham since starting work on the Children’s Capital of Culture programme, and we’re seeing so many opportunities to bring about the transformation we need to reach our full potential as a borough. The programme is aimed at bringing the town together, embracing the world of creators, children and young people. Advantages won't just be seen by cultural attractions, but residents and businesses across Rotherham.
“We held an incredible Arts Fest event at Gulliver’s Valley only last week involving over 1,700 local school children and it was wonderful to see those who attended enjoy being immersed in art and creativity and the benefits they got from it. We know there is so much more like this coming up in the months and years ahead for the whole town to get excited about.”
As part of this year’s Children’s Capital of Culture launch programme, which has been created and designed by children and young people, a host of family-friendly events have hit Rotherham including the Arts Fest at Gulliver’s Valley, the first ever skate and art festival, pop-up exhibitions, graffiti and poetry workshops, and open mic nights. Rotherham United will host its own pop-up museum in July, celebrating the cultural heritage of the football team and its players’ achievements with an interactive exhibition and performances.
The football team are lending their support to the programme alongside a diverse group of ambassadors, including visual artist Jo Peel, educator and sportsperson Dana Abdulkarim, Radio Sheffield presenter, Sile Sabanda, and senior member of the UK Youth Parliament, Amaan Ali Saqlain.