'Being a Bantam': People with a learning disability as football fans knowledge exchange exhibition

Previous research has shown that football fandom for people with a learning disability can positively affect wellbeing, social identity, social interaction and belonging (Southby, 2013a; Southby, 2013b; Southby, 2011). However, whilst such research has been disseminated through ‘traditional’ academic routes – peer-reviewed journal articles and conferences – it has not been shared with, or had very little impact upon, the public. The ‘Being a Bantam’ project is a knowledge exchange activity to share learning about the football fandom of people with a learning disability with the ‘football community’ (i.e. fans, administrators, policy makers) and the public. The project is a co-produced photographic exhibition of images representing the experience of fans with a learning disability supporting their teams. The project aims to critically challenge public understanding of football fandom for people with a learning disability, destigmatise learning disability, and encourage greater cohesion/inclusion within the football community. The exhibition will be on display indefinitely in Bradford City Football Club’s stadium from the 9th April 2016 for those attending Bradford City FC matches to view. Upon the projects launch, fans without a learning disability viewing the images will be asked to comment on the fandom of people with a learning disability to a researcher present in the stadium (on 9th April) and via social media. The intention of this paper is to present learning from the ‘Being a Bantam’ project. It will start by outlining previous research concerning the football fandom of people with a learning disability before critically discussing the process of co-producing a knowledge exchange photography exhibition with people with a learning disability. Outcomes from the project, including areas for future research, will be presented.