Football
The charity using football as a vehicle for change
In partnership with 99designs by Vistaprint — By Design is an editorial series, created in collaboration with 99designs by Vistaprint, that celebrates small businesses across the UK and spotlights the power of a strong visual identity. In this instalment, we catch up with Football Beyond Borders, a group using the beautiful game to reach young people in ways that others can’t.
Written by: Niall Flynn
A photographer‘s ode to the ‘90s football fan
Kicking about — In 1991, just one year after the excitement of the World Cup in Italy, Richard Davis attended matches across the North West of England to capture the ordinary people who make the game what it really is.
Written by: Huck
Is lockdown fuelling a student gambling crisis?
Rolling the dice — Looking for ways to fill the hours, the pandemic has caused a perfect storm for student gamblers. But some fear their habit to alleviate boredom could be spiralling into addiction.
Written by: Serena Smith
St. Pauli are still fighting fascism with football
Changing the game — Despite playing in the German second division without much success, a new book explores why St. Pauli are an enduring source of fascination to left-wing fans the world over.
Written by: Will Magee
It's time for football to reckon with its carbon footprint
A common goal — With the game only growing in popularity and excess, football's impact on the environment continues to balloon. But an increasing number of people involved in the game are trying to change that.
Written by: Rosie Hewitson
The beautiful anarchy of football’s fanzine movement
‘We won’t last forever’ — Having started as a DIY rebellion, the fanzine movement is now an invaluable subculture under threat from an increasingly digital world.
Written by: Will Magee
The agony & ecstasy of being a football fan, in photos
Can’t smile without you — In his new project, photographer Martin Andersen captures the intense, emotional world of Tottenham’s diehard fans.
Written by: Jacob Charles Wilson
In Liverpool, football and activism are on the same team
A city united — From grassroots programmes to top-tier initiatives, football has played a pivotal role in the city’s fightback against Tory rule. Writer Davey Brett explores Liverpool’s unique relationship with the beautiful game.
Written by: Davey Brett
How a fake football club exposed Twitter's hypocrisy
#NeverStopNotGivingUp — Caught up in a purge of parody Twitter accounts after fake news barged onto the general election agenda, beloved (and imaginary) non-league side Streatham Rovers now face an existential threat.
Written by: Will Magee
All hail Coleen Rooney, the hero we need right now
Save us — The slog of Brexit is too much to bear. A literary mystery with explosive consequences is the perfect tonic for these dark times – and we scarcely deserve Rooney’s work.
Written by: Dawn Foster