FA Chairman Greg Dyke relieved memories of 1966 in Derbyshire as the community came out to remember the part they played in 1966 on Tuesday.
During the World Cup on these shores half a century ago, the market town of Ashbourne, was the training base for finalists West Germany, is less than 20 miles from England football team’s base at St. George’s Park.
‘Ashburnians’, as they are known locally, used the 50th anniversary of that iconic tournament as a reason to raid their attics and dig out old photo albums to share memories of that era.
A selection of photographs were collated to form a commemorative frame that will now take pride of place on the wall of Ashbourne FC’s clubhouse.
Dyke joined members of the local community and representatives from the Sporting Memories Network to formally unveil the memento to the time the Franz Beckenbauer called Ashbourne home.
Speaking at the event, The FA chairman, said: “I’m really pleased to have been here today and I must congratulate everyone on the fantastic memories they’ve pulled together from 1966.
"The footage being played from the German team playing on this site is remarkable and there are some wonderful pictures.
“It’s so important for the town to remember a historic occasion like this and it’s amazing to think that many of the world-class players in that German side went on to be world champions in 1970.
As the Three Lions gear up for a big summer in France, youngsters from Ashbourne Aztecs FC were also participating in a small-sided England v Germany-themed match with 66 themed shirts.
Ashbourne is also famous for the Royal Shrovetide Football Match, an annual Shrove Tuesday tradition that dates back to the 12th century.
The Sporting Memories Network is a charity that supports older people across the UK living with dementia, depression and loneliness by engaging them in social activities and helping them to recall memories of sporting moments.
