Football culture is more than just the game; it’s an experience, a way of life that captivates and unites fans across the globe. For Sam McArdle (known on his social media profiles as Stoppage Time Winner), a Newcastle United supporter and talented photographer, this culture and the travel it ensues has become the focal point of his art. Now, McArdle is offering a limited edition print run of some of his most striking football culture photographs, captured on 35mm film. These prints, available in A5 and A4 formats, showcase iconic stadiums like La Bombonera, St. James’ Park, Dortmund’s Yellow Wall, and the Stade Louis II in Monaco.
McArdle’s journey into photography and football culture began in the North East of England and Scotland, where he developed a deep appreciation for the raw, unfiltered essence of the game. “Once you see it, and live it, it has you for life. You will defend it to the death,” he says, encapsulating the passion that drives his work. This passion is evident in every photograph he takes, whether it’s capturing the electric atmosphere of a matchday or the quiet solitude of an empty stadium.
Reflecting on his lifelong love for Newcastle United, McArdle describes the emotional roller coaster of following his hometown club. “Deflated. Despondent. Encouraged. Depressed,” he says, capturing the highs and lows of being a devoted fan. But it’s this very devotion that fuels his creative process, inspiring him to document aspects of football culture through his photography.
Originally from Durham and now living in Edinburgh, McArdle’s work is deeply influenced by his experiences in both England and Scotland. “For me, ‘footballing culture’ is about the iron girders and rain-battered thin metal roofs. The wooden seats. The muddy puddle on the goal line has a certain smell,” he explains. This visceral connection to the game and its surroundings is a recurring theme in his photography.
One of the standout images in McArdle’s upcoming print run is of St. James’ Park, a place that holds special significance for him as a Newcastle supporter. “Nothing compares to Newcastle on a matchday. The stadium is right in the city centre. At half two on a Saturday afternoon, there’s only one place the entire city seems to be heading, and that’s St James’ Park,” he says.
In addition to St. James’ Park, McArdle’s prints also feature La Bombonera, the iconic home of Boca Juniors in Argentina, Dortmund’s Yellow Wall, famed for its passionate supporters, and the picturesque Stade Louis II in Monaco. Each photograph tells a story of its own, showcasing the unique character and atmosphere of these legendary stadiums.
McArdle’s photography is not just about capturing images; it’s about preserving moments in time and sharing them with others. “Being able to capture a particular moment in time is such a special thing,” he says. “Photography is a way of sharing and bringing new perspectives to stories or moments – and I’ve always loved telling stories.”
Through his limited edition print run, McArdle offers a glimpse into his world of football travel and culture, seen through the eyes of a passionate fan and skilled film photographer.
Prints are available in A5 and A4 formats, printed on lustre paper. Each photograph is a testament to McArdle’s love for football and his dedication to capturing the essence of the game on film. As he continues to explore new grounds and capture new moments, one thing remains clear: Sam McArdle’s photography is a tribute to football culture, a passion that, once seen and lived, has you for life.
Follow Sam and his exploits on his Stoppage Time Winner account on Instagram and Twitter.
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