Collections Stories
Looking to learn more of the stories behind the objects?
Delve into the fascinating history of our extensive collection. Below you will find blogs, articles, Q&As and features on our favourite objects, unlocking the stories within each item and exploring what makes football the game of our lives. This is also where we will be revealing our Object of the Week, showcasing some of the fascinating items from our ever-growing collection. Check here every Thursday for the latest insight and opinion from our museum curators and experts.
Do you have a story to share with us about your own prized football possessions? We’re collecting memories as part of our #GameOfOurLives campaign. Click here to contribute to our growing digital collection of stories.
Object of the Week: Alistair Patrick-Heselton’s headguard
28 October 2020
A promising footballer who went on to represent Team GB at the Paralympic Games, Alistair Patrick-Heselton’s story is one of perseverance and determination...
Object of the Week: Pele’s Brazil World Cup Shirt
22 October 2020
Pelé is a global superstar, a player like no other. Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, his ability on the pitch is still the benchmark of greatness.
Object of the Week: Alex Scott England shirt
14 October 2020
One of Britain’s most influential players, Alex Scott was capped by her country 140 times, scored in a UEFA Cup Final, and won 21 major trophies as an Arsenal player.
Object of the Week: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s boots
8 October 2020
They were worn by one of the game's rising stars in an important game. They also show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Collections Manager Wiebke Cullen looks at Trent Alexander-Arnold's boots...
Object of the Week: Olympian Stoney’s match-worn shirt
30 September 2020
A shirt designed by Stella McCartney and on show at Wembley in front of 72000 fans. Curator of Women's Football Belinda Scarlett looks at a shirt worn by England legend Casey Stoney.
Object of the Week: Original Wembley turnstile
24 September 2020
The clickety click of a turnstile is one of the most familiar sounds in football. At the museum visitors can see an original turnstile from the home of football - Wembley Stadium.
“There’s a growing number of women working in football. It’s great to see” – Reuters’ photographer Molly Darlington
24 September 2020
Molly Darlington is one of the youngest sports photographers in the country. We speak to the 22-year-old about how she broke into the industry, her love of the game and the challenges of covering top-flight football during a pandemic.
Object of the Week: A programme during a pandemic
17 September 2020
It's been surreal - stadiums without any fans. When football resumed during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic games were played behind closed doors. The museum acquired a match programme from one of the first games. Head of Collections Wiebke Cullen takes a closer look at this unique matchday magazine.
The women footballers who supported striking miners
15 September 2020
Exactly a century ago struggling striking miners received support from an unlikely source - women footballers. Catriona Kelly looks at these remarkable players who played for, and supported their communities.
Object of the Week: History’s most controversial beach ball
8 September 2020
It assisted one of the freakiest goals in Premier League history. In 2009 Sunderland welcomed Liverpool to the Stadium of Light and despite all the stars on show, it was a holiday inflatable that grabbed the headlines.
