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.

FA Cup: Third Round shocks

5 January 2024

The January giant-killing round is upon us! We look at five of our favourite cup upsets from the Third Round of the FA Cup, featuring top-tier shocks and player sackings, career-making goals and nigh-impossible results.

Female referees in England: a short history

19 December 2023

With Rebecca Welch about to make history as the first female referee in the Premier League, Dr Alexander Jackson takes a short look at the history of female referees in English football. They have had a long, if overlooked presence in the game.

Object of the Week: The Umbrella Stand

6 December 2023

With the heavens opening this week (and most weeks in Manchester), Uma Ghelani looks at one of the relevant objects in our archive: a 19th-century umbrella stand.

Equity in Football

7 September 2023

The National Football Museum believes that it is the right of all women to enjoy football openly, fearlessly and with equity.

Lionesses: 1985 Mundialito Cup winners

20 July 2023

This week’s blog looks at a very special event that is less well known than it should be – England’s victory in the 1985 Mundialito Cup.

Lionesses in Japan: the 1981 Mundialito

17 July 2023

With the Lionesses looking to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand, Dr Alex Jackson looks at a major event in the team’s history – the 1981 Mundialito Cup in Japan.