The Football Writing Festival returns to the National Football Museum for a ninth year, featuring more talks and greater value than ever before.
This year’s Manchester festival runs from Thursday 2 to Saturday 18 November, and features no fewer than eight in-person and online events – all included in the price of National Football Museum admission.
In addition to seeing all talks for just £13 (£11 for concessions), visitors will also gain access to the museum, enjoying unlimited entry to its displays and exhibitions for a full year. The festival is free for existing museum ticket holders and City of Manchester residents.
The museum has snapped up a host of top writers and journalists for November’s festival, including Adam Crafton, David Ornstein, Simon Stone, Carl Anka, Sam Lee and popular podcast Two Girls Talk Balls.
The headline evening talks focus on two of football’s hot topics: the increasing use of soft power in football, looking at the politicisation of the sport at domestic and European level, and the changing ecosystem of football’s increasingly expensive transfer market.
Daytime events will cover a range of topics, including the new WSL season, representation in the women’s game, the state of play in Ukraine, football in the First World War and a special event dedicated to Jack Leslie, taking place at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park.
Please note that a valid National Football Museum admission ticket is required to gain free entry to the Football Writing Festival.
Jack Leslie: The Lion Who Never Roared
Tuesday 24 October, 7pm (@ Plymouth Argyle)
Matt Tiller, Richard Amofa
A talk at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park on recent Hall of Fame inductee Jack Leslie, a Pilgrims legend who was the first Black player to receive an England call-up, only for it to be rescinded in controversial circumstances. This talk will also be available online in the days following the live event.
The Transfer Market
Thursday 2 November, 7pm
David Ornstein, Harriet Prior, Sam Lee, Shamoon Hafez
How has the transfer market evolved in recent years? Our panel dissects the changes within the football ecosystem that have enabled eight and nine-figure fees to become commonplace.
Soft Power in Football
Friday 3 November, 7pm
Adam Crafton, Carl Anka, Sanny Rudravajhala, Simon Stone, Molly Blackall
A lively panel debate around the geopolitical and increasingly controversial implications of football club ownership, both domestically and further afield, and the impact it has on the game.
The Three Hijabis
Monday 6 November, 12pm
Amna Abdullatif
An insightful in-conversation talk with one of the founders of The Three Hijabis, discussing the origins of the project and the importance of an England team that is inclusive, anti-racist and representative.
Football’s Great War
Monday 6 November, 3pm
Dr Alexander Jackson
The museum’s own Dr Alexander Jackson, recent winner of the 2023 Lord Aberdare Literary Prize, talks about football’s role on the battlefield and closer to home during the First World War.
Ukraine: We Play On
Friday 10 November, 1pm
Andy Brassell
TalkSPORT and The Guardian’s European Correspondent discusses the impact of war on Ukraine, and the nation’s ongoing fight for both football and freedom.
Two Girls Talk Balls Live!
Saturday 18 November, 11am
Tamsin Connor, Charlotte French
Join Tamsin Connor and Charlotte French for a chat about all things women’s football, analysing the start of the new Women’s Super League season and looking ahead to the Manchester derby.
Breakout Stars of the Women’s World Cup
Online only
Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff
Journalist Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff looks back at the major talking points and fallout from the recent Women’s World Cup, exploring issues around mental health and identity within the game.