Historian puts SSTO Institute on the map

With time ticking towards the 100th anniversary of the First World War, Dr Iain Adams from the SSTO's International Football Institute (IFI) is in much demand.

The National Football Museum is putting together an exhibition to mark the occasion and their Director, Kevin Moore, is using Dr Adams as a 'resident expert' as they field enquiries from various organisations about football's impact on the war – particularly the Christmas Truce 1914.

Following an invitation from the British Library in London, Dr Adams was appointed as an official Historian for Europeana 1914-1918 – a scheme designed to develop a digital collection of outstanding sources from European national libraries to remember the First World War.

He has also contributed to a British Council project entitled 'Football Remembers' and recently appeared on the BBC World Service programme 'Sportshour'. In addition, Dr Adams has received requests to use his play about the Truce, A Game for Christmas, from numerous Arts organisations along with the National Children's Football Alliance.

Manchester design consultancy True North have also been in touch regarding commemorative Christmas 2014 Royal Mail stamps.

Dr Adams said: "The 100th anniversary of the First World War and the stories surrounding the Christmas Truce 1914 should provide a unique opportunity for enhancing IFI's reputation internationally and allow us to make a lasting impact."