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: Jonny Otto Black Lives Matter shirt
6 August 2020
It was a powerful and symbolic moment as Premiership footballers took the knee to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Lewes FC: Football to drive social change
29 July 2020
They were the first - and only - football club in the world to introduce equal pay for both their men's and women's teams. They are 100% fan-owned club and believe in deeds not words. This is Lewes FC.
Object of the Week: Ball from the 1966 World Cup Final
28 July 2020
This is the orange ball used in the match when England became champions of the world.
Artist Opportunity – Can you bring icon Lily’s story to life?
24 July 2020
The National Football Museum has an opportunity for an artist to play a key role in a major exhibition in 2021.
Object of the Week: Blackpool protest scarf
22 July 2020
When Blackpool fans took on their owners it was the longest fan boycott in the history of English football.
Object of the Week: Shirley Baker photographs
16 July 2020
She was the photographer who stumbled onto football on the streets...
Object of the Week: Gemma Bonner boots
8 July 2020
We're working to put women’s football right at the heart of the English football story. This means moving towards increasing our representation of women in football to 50% across our collections and exhibitions. Curator of Women's Football Belinda Scarlett talks about this exciting challenge and some new items collected in recent months...
Object of the Week: Match ball from 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup
30 June 2020
USA beat China 21-years-ago to claim their second Women's World Cup on home soil. This official match ball is signed by the victorious American team.
“It will be an emotional reunion when we return to the museum”
25 June 2020
With the museum gearing-up for reopening, one set of visitors will be looking forward to returning more than most.
Object of the Week: Paul Gascoigne Spitting Image puppet
23 June 2020
His World Cup heroics in 1990 made him a global football superstar, while his semi-final tears made him a puppet on the small screen. Collections Manager Wiebke Cullen takes a closer look at this latex legend....
