The Football History Boys

Since we started writing on our blog, The Football History Boys, we have occasionally found it difficult to write new pieces on a regular basis. The main reason for this has been our jobs, both of which lie in education. My current class will often discuss football and the results of the weekend, showing the same engagement with the game as Gareth and I had. The history of education, at least at a state level, follows a remarkably similar timeline to that of football. With only a decade or so apart, both education and the beautiful game have seen a century and a half of immense change socially, politically and economically. There is little doubt that education and football have a closer relationship than we might think. But how close? In this piece, we will take a closer, narrative look at how the game grew into the sport of schoolboys and girls across the nation. Against a backdrop of, at times, antiquated colonial beliefs, two world wars and social revolution in the 1960s, how has t…

Recently, we have been writing all about the effect football has had on education. We have looked closely at the development of the game and its influence on schoolboys across the country from 1829 to the present day. What was not so prevalent in these pieces was the impact it has had on girls. The main reason for this was because we did not want the history of football and girls' education to be quickly put into a single paragraph, and rather we thought a whole article should be devoted to it. In other TFHB posts we have seen how the history of women's football is far more detailed and intriguing than we first believed - and this is no different.

To recap, the history of football and education has followed a remarkably similar timeline. The growth of 'professional football' and its influence on the working-classes of the UK sees comparisons with the push towards mandatory state education. Football had previously been codified by the public school system, but taken to …

How might things have differed had the unthinkable happened and England not won the 1966 World Cup?
Saturday 30th July 1966 is a date tattooed upon the minds of all England fans. Many sharing its collective memory were not even born on that fateful final day of the eighth edition of the FIFA World Cup. The passing of each subsequent year means its legend grows and, with the Wembley setting, the 4-2 score line (a.e.t) and the endless re-runs of Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick goal, one could be forgiven for believing it was somehow fate that England triumphed. However, time has a habit of distorting events and even that most famous of matches is not immune.

Optimism going into the tournament was largely borne of home advantage, but the odds of an England victory were relatively low. Even as Bobby Moore held aloft the coveted Jules Rimet trophy, there were those who sought to diminish the achievement. Referees were accused of bias against the Argentinians, and Brazil, the pre-tournament favourit…

Football is more than just a game. Over the last 150 years it has become a source of identity, conflict and debate for all who follow and play it. It has reached the furthest corners of the globe and boasts more players and supporters than any other sport. In this list, we will be going right the way through the illustrious, colourful and often tragic history of football and finding out once and for all what the most important moments are in this truly beautiful game.



46. Aguerrrooooo!!! (2012)

This moment is my favourite moment in the list, a hugely controversial statement perhaps, but it was absolutely sensational! In a house in Swansea with 6 or so Manchester United fans, myself (a Cardiff fan) and an Everton supporter were the only two wanting Man City to win the Premier League. When Martin Tyler screamed those now famous lines of commentary, finishing with "AGUERRROOOOOO!!!", I will never, ever forget the unbelievable joy and delirium I experienced. Hugging and dancing ar…