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: John Motson’s sheepskin coat
21 January 2021
It's 30 years (December 1990) since John Motson appeared at Wycombe Wanderers' Adams park battling snow gusts in his sheepskin coat. We look at the key piece of the legendary commentator's winter wardrobe.
Colin Bell: “The reluctant hero who was King of the Kippax”
13 January 2021
Our curator Peter Holme writes about his hero - the late, great Colin Bell.
Meeting Diego Maradona
25 November 2020
Sporting Memories group member Tony Haggerty on the time he was lucky enough to meet football royalty, El Diego.
“What Jack Charlton achieved with Ireland was incredible” – Gabriel Clarke
18 November 2020
Finding Jack Charlton is a new film about an extraordinary man - an English World Cup winning legend who became an Irish hero. We speak to director Gabriel Clarke about the film, and the late, great Jack Charlton - a man revered on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Object of the Week: Rachel Yankey’s England shirt
4 November 2020
A dazzling winger with pace and skill, Rachel Yankey was the first professional female player registered in England – and was arguably one of the most successful.
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.
