Connor Parry isn’t your typical football fan. The Runcorn-based construction worker has turned his love for the game into a creative outlet, documenting the world of football culture through the lens of his film and digital cameras. From the historic charm of Florence’s Stadio Artemio Franchi to the vibrant Zurich derby at Stadion Letzigrund, Connor’s work captures the raw energy, passion, and stories that make football more than just a sport.

In this conversation with Lower Block, Connor reflects on his footballing travels, the culture that drives him, and how he’s turned his camera into a window into the soul of the game.

For Connor, the journey begins in Runcorn, Cheshire. “I work in construction, but whenever I go to a football game, my camera is always with me,” he explains. What started as a casual hobby has evolved into a passion project. “I just liked taking photos at first. Then people started saying I was good at it, so I began experimenting with editing and learning more techniques.”

While football photography is his creative outlet, it’s football itself that fuels his enthusiasm. Connor is a lifelong Liverpool supporter – a love passed down from his dad. “I’ve supported Liverpool for 29 years and held a season ticket for 25 of those,” he shares. “I’ve seen us win everything there is to win, and in every way imaginable.”

But his love for the game extends beyond Anfield. Connor is also an avid Atlético Madrid supporter, a connection that began in the mid-2000s while watching La Liga on Sky Sports. “I started liking Atlético because of their red-and-white colours – they reminded me of Liverpool. Then there was Fernando Torres. I followed him at Atlético, and it was a dream come true when he moved to Liverpool in 2007.”

Now, Connor visits Madrid six to eight times a season, forming friendships with Atlético fans and soaking in the city’s unique football culture. “It’s a great weekend for me – catching up with friends, exploring Madrid, and seeing Atlético play.”

Connor’s passion for football extends beyond the pitch and deep into the stands, where fans breathe life into the game. “I’ve always been fascinated by fan culture and the way it shapes the atmosphere. The football itself could be a 0-0 or a 7-8 thriller – it doesn’t matter as long as the fans are good.”

His travels have brought him to some of the world’s most passionate football environments. In Argentina, he experienced the electric atmosphere of Boca Juniors at La Bombonera. “The football wasn’t great, but the atmosphere was incredible,” he recalls. Similarly, his trips to Brazil, Italy, and Germany offered glimpses into the unique rituals of different fan cultures – whether it’s Italy’s relaxed pre-match café culture or Germany’s beer-and-sausage gatherings.

“I love sampling these experiences and supporting local ultra groups,” Connor says. “Whether it’s through donations or buying fan materials like zines and stickers, I try to give back. I know how much work goes into things like Tifos.”

Connor’s travels have taken him to some unforgettable venues:

Merkur Spiel-Arena, Düsseldorf: Fortuna Düsseldorf vs Hannover. “Another sad modern stadium from the outside but inside when F95 get going it is fantastic. Not the best atmosphere I have been to in Germany but still better than the Souless corporate Premier league I am used to seeing. Being so close to the hardcore again was definitely an added bonus.”

Stadio Artemio Franchi, ACF Fiorentina:

Olympiastadion, Munich:

Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich: Grasshopper Zurich vs FC Zurich. “FC Zurich and its Südkurve are my favourite group in Europe. The atmosphere was again one of the best. Pyro non stop for 90 minutes and an actual good game on the pitch. Would definitely recommend this derby.”

Olympiastadion, Berlin: Spain vs Croatia. Euro 2024. “One of my favourite games I have been to, international footy mid season isn’t exactly my favourite thing but tournaments are. The atmosphere before it in the city and fan park was great. Both fans by the Brandenburg gate singing and chanting. The metros up to the stadium were bouncing too. Croatia had about 70% of the stadium creating a great atmosphere.”

Weserstadion, Bremen: Werder Bremen vs Freiburg. “Atmosphere for us was great, sat just above the hardcore support. It was an odd time in Germany this weekend we visited. With train strikes and protests against DFB investors it definitely added to the tension of the match and made it difficult but worth it for us to visit. Bremen is a great city to visit and the walk from the centre along the river with beers is a matchday treat.”

Volksparkstadion, Hamburg: HSV vs Karlsruhe. “Same weekend as Bremen. “Another odd but good atmosphere with the DFB protests. Hamburg is Hamburg and needs no introduction. One of Germanys best cities and stadiums.”

Stadion Wojska Polskiego, Warsaw: Legia vs Pogon Sczneni. “Unbelievable atmosphere. A massive pyro show before kick off. One of the best i have seen. The football on the pitch wasn’t amazing but the atmosphere was up there. Non stop for 90 minutes. Easy to see why they are one of Europes best.” 

For Connor, football photography is about capturing these cultural nuances. “Each fan group is different, and every photo tells a story,” he says. From Zurich’s Sudkurve, where masked fans ignite flares, to the iconic Olympiastadion in Berlin during Euro 2024, his images reflect the diversity and richness of football culture. “It’s fascinating to think that someone in a balaclava at a match could be a millionaire banker or a school teacher come Monday morning.”

Connor cites Danny Last as a key influence on his work. “I love his fan culture photography on Instagram,” he says. Publications like Lower Block and other Instagram pages also inspire him. “I think they do a great job of highlighting the beauty and humanity of football culture.”

As he continues to explore the footballing world, Connor’s mission remains the same: to document the stories, cultures, and emotions that make the game universal. “For me, it’s all about the fans. They’re the heartbeat of football, and I want to showcase that in every photo I take.”

Follow Connor Parry’s journey on Instagram and Twitter and experience football culture through his eyes.

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