Only a Game? countdown continues

A ground-breaking UEFA exhibition exploring Europe's love affair with the beautiful game – Only a Game? – is to open at World Museum Liverpool next Saturday.

Interactive exhibition
Only a Game? runs from 11 October 2008 till 1 March 2009, and is an interactive exhibition for the whole family, inviting visitors to plunge into the emotions of football inspired by a selection of prestigious artefacts, trophies and memorabilia from over 50 years of European football.

Only UK appearance
In collaboration with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), National Football Museum and National Museums Liverpool, the UEFA exhibition is making its only UK appearance in Liverpool; European Capital of Culture and arguably one of Europe's great capitals of football.

Trophies on display
All four of UEFA's most prestigious trophies will be on display during the opening month of the exhibition representing a very rare occasion when the UEFA European Championship and UEFA Champions League trophies will appear alongside the UEFA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in the same place at the same time.

Museum memorabilia
Memorabilia from the National Football Museum will be featured in the exhibition, including shirts, medals and trophies from great European players such as George Best, Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Moore and Petr Čech, and visitors can also discover the city's own dramatic role in European football with special items on display from the Everton FC Collection and the Liverpool FC Museum.

Football city
Michel Platini, President of UEFA and three times European Footballer of the Year, said: "I am delighted that UEFA is bringing this exciting exhibition to Liverpool during its Capital of Culture celebrations, a city that loves its football and plays such a big role in Europe's fascination with the game."

Social and cultural aspects
Only a Game? ends with a question mark, encouraging the visitor to reflect on the social and cultural aspects of modern football and ask themselves questions concerning aspects such as the solidarity, success, participation, celebration, racism and integration associated with the game, and the emotions it triggers.

Bringing people together
Lilian Thuram, official patron of the exhibition and winner of both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship with France, said: "Football brings people together across Europe. It speaks a simple language that everyone understands. Only a Game? shines a light on all the actors that play a role: fans, schoolkids, amateurs, as well as the professional players."

Gerrard's praise
Liverpool player Steven Gerrard said: "There is no city in Europe where football means more than it does to the people of Liverpool. So I think it is great that we are having a European football exhibition as part of Liverpool 08." Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, added: "As the Northwest is the birthplace of football it is only fitting that this exciting exhibition should come to the region. People in Liverpool are passionate about football and football makes a significant contribution to our regional economy, so I am delighted that NWDA has been able to work with UEFA, the Football Museum and National Museums Liverpool on bringing Only A Game? to the city."

Part of Liverpool's heritage
Bryan Gray, chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company, added: "Sport is part of Liverpool's heritage and football has helped to shape this city of culture, so it should be no surprise to see it feature so prominently in the Capital of Culture programme. We are delighted to welcome Only a Game? to the European Capital of Culture; I can think of nowhere more fitting for this thought provoking exhibition."

Practical details
Address: World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool
Admission: FREE
Open: 10.00-17.00GMT every day
Information: +44 (0)151 478 4393