Chesterfield FC Heritage Project
Bringing Our History to Life
The Premier League Fans Fund 2024/25 helped bring the Chesterfield FC Heritage Project to life, a community initiative designed to connect supporters and local people with the proud history of Chesterfield Football Club.
With the appointment of Heritage Officer Peter Whiteley, the project began with a clear goal: to catalogue historic artefacts, record untold stories, and create a vibrant heritage display inside the SMH Group Stadium. The display celebrates not only the club’s journey through the years but also Chesterfield’s wider cultural heritage and global connections.
From a Small Idea to a Stadium Wide Display
What started as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger. Thanks to the incredible support of club owner Phil Kirk, the Heritage Group, and local partners, the Heritage Display now stretches across two stands, with exciting plans to expand throughout the stadium.
The exhibition is filled with rare memorabilia, fascinating stories, and fun facts, featuring everything from football legends to links with Harry Potter and the Women’s Euros. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
A Project for the Community
Beyond celebrating history, the project also aims to reduce social isolation, offer an educational resource, and enrich the matchday experience for all. Fans have played a vital role in shaping the displays through the Heritage Group and monthly Supporters Forum, ensuring every supporter feels part of Chesterfield’s story.
The impact has been remarkable. More visitors now arrive early on matchdays, stadium tours have expanded, and pride in the club’s heritage continues to grow. The display has inspired fans young and old, and even those new to football, to connect with the spirit and story of Chesterfield FC.
Our Thanks and A Lasting Legacy
Special thanks go to Phil Tooley and Stuart Basson for their contributions to the football history sections, and to the Chesterfield and District Civic Society for their work on local history.
A heartfelt thank you also to Phil and Sylvia Tooley, whose generous donation made this project possible, along with Dean and Jack Newman and their team at PDM for their invaluable support.
This project stands as a lasting legacy, honouring our community, our supporters, and the memory of Phil Kirk, ensuring that Chesterfield’s story continues to be shared for generations to come.
