From Grassroots to Greatness at the National Football Museum shines spotlight on the inspirational journeys of this year’s England squad
- Origins in association with England Football explores pathways of England’s heroes from grassroots to the world stage
- Personal objects loaned by England captain Harry Kane to go on display
- Free festival of football PitchFest returns to museum in June
The inspirational stories of England’s brightest stars will be displayed at the National Football Museum this summer, as the museum explores player journeys from kickabouts to the world stage.
On now at the National Football Museum, From Grassroots to Greatness explores the streets, playgrounds, clubs, families, and friends that have shaped the people who have represented their club or country, proof that every legend starts somewhere.
Origins, a special display created in partnership with England Football, looks at the beautiful game from park pitches to the pinnacle of international football. Delve deep into the journeys of coaches, referees, managers and some of England’s greatest players, as Origins celebrates the country’s grassroots football pedigree during June and July.
From Grassroots to Greatness also gives visitors an opportunity to follow the footballing journey of England men’s captain and all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane, through his own personal and sentimental football memorabilia.
Loaned from Kane’s own collection, objects include a junior team shirt from Ridgeway Rovers, an England debut shirt and match-worn football boots. The objects feature in the museum’s England on the World Stage display from Wednesday 17 June to Monday 31 August.
Visitors this summer can also explore Head, Shoulders, Knees and Goals, the museum’s special exhibition unpacking the game through the body and mind, movement, representation, science and what it feels like to play and be a fan. Then, test your skills with Yard Ball, a fun, nostalgic take on street football, both kindly supported by The Players Foundation.
On the 13-14 and 18-19 June, join National Football Museum for PitchFest: a free festival of football, play, and creativity and retro shirts. Guests and special pop-ups at this year’s Pitch Fest include The Shirt Collectors, Grassroots XL, Manchester FA, Squadra, Hattricks and Foudys.
Tim Desmond, CEO at the National Football Museum, said: “As we follow England’s brightest stars on the global stage, it’s important for us all to be reminded of where it all started for them – a kickabout in the park, that first Sunday League team or watching someone play that inspired a love for the game.
“Origins in association with England Football spans the country and celebrates the wide spectrum of people involved in football – the referees, players, coaches, families and communities that make grassroots football thrive.
“Alongside personal and sentimental objects spanning Harry Kane’s career and our busy programme of interactive displays and events, there’s no better place to celebrate the world’s greatest football tournament this summer.”
Harry Kane said: “I am incredibly proud to be part of ‘From Grassroots to Greatness’ at the National Football Museum this summer. Every player in the England squad started somewhere, and for me, it all began on the pitches at Ridgeway Rovers. Looking at my first shirt alongside other items that are special to me, such as my England debut shirt, brings back so many incredible memories.
“I am delighted to have these items and more on show because they’re a reminder that with hard work, self-belief and resilience, they helped me get to where I am now and being able to play on the world’s biggest stage, like the World Cup this month. By sharing my story, I hope my journey inspires the next generation, and I’d encourage everyone to visit the museum this summer, and hopefully, you will go away feeling inspired.”
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: “The Origins exhibition serves as a reminder of the impact grassroots clubs have on the millions of people who engage with them across the country. Whether as a player, coach or volunteer, Origins recognises where those journeys began.
“We’re hugely grateful to the National Football Museum for allowing us to bring these stories to life, celebrating the connection between England players and the grassroots communities that helped shaped them.”