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.
Object of the Week: Ellen White’s boots
7 March 2024
This week, Uma Ghelani looks at a a very special pair of boots belonging to a Lionesses record-holder and Women's Super League great.
Object of the Week: Elton John’s glasses
20 February 2024
A look at Elton John's long and fruitful association with Watford Football Club, through the lens of one of our on-loan objects.
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.
Michele Robinson: a coaching pioneer
20 December 2023
Researcher Jodie Neville talks to Michele Robinson, a pioneer for women in football coaching.
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.
England v Scotland, 1872: the world’s first international
12 September 2023
With the 150th anniversary celebration match taking place at Hampden Park, we look back to what is considered to be the first ever international match: Scotland versus England at Hamilton Crescent in 1872.
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.
