Leeds United Football Club, founded in 1919, has established itself as one of England’s most storied football clubs. Nestled in the proud city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, the club calls Elland Road its home. This iconic stadium, with a capacity of nearly 38,000, is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, serving as a fortress for the Whites for over a century.
Leeds United’s history is a tapestry of highs and lows, filled with moments of triumph and heartache. The club rose to prominence under the management of Don Revie in the 1960s and 70s, a period often regarded as their golden era. During Revie’s tenure, Leeds clinched two First Division titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, establishing a formidable reputation both domestically and in Europe.
The club’s tradition is deeply interwoven with its loyal supporters, known for their unwavering passion and vocal support. Through thick and thin, Leeds fans have stood by their team, creating an atmosphere at Elland Road that is both intimidating for visiting teams and inspiring for the home side. This fierce loyalty was evident during the club’s tumultuous years, including their dramatic relegation from the Premier League in 2004 and their long-awaited return to the top flight in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa’s management.
LUFC All Together is a photographic documentary by Kate Schultze on the murals and works of street art within the area that Leeds United Football Club is situated, following their promotion to the Premiership during the 2020/21 season. The limited edition A5 zine contains 23 colour photographs across 28 pages.
LUFC All Together | Kate Schultze
A photo documentary by Kate Schultze on the streets and murals that make up the area that surrounds Leeds United Football Club.
A limited edition A5 zine containing 23 colour photographs across 28 pages.
Just as their club anthem says, whatever befalls Leeds United they continue marching on together.
It’s been that way seemingly for ever for this proud Yorkshire community.
This is a club rich in history, of League titles, Cups and European adventures.
Don Revie and Howard Wilkinson instilled fire and belief in their teams. Bremner, Giles and Hunter came in the first wave, Strachan, McAllister and Batty in the next, players who epitomised the Leeds spirit.
Their fans revel in that no nonsense, no frills, Northern heritage, and that connection, between club and community is depicted in murals of the Leeds United greats, not just of yesteryear but of campaigns barely just over.
Kate Schultze has delved into the traditions and the culture that has made Leeds great and that, after a season that ended in relegation, could again provide the spark that ignites another promotion push back to the big time.
Her pictures are all about the feel of the ground, its surroundings and its history.
It took Leeds 16 years to get back into the top flight after they last went down, but once they were there, for three eventful seasons, Marcelo Bielsa had them on the march, instilling a sense of togetherness that ensured they were not out of place, certainly for the first of those campaigns.
Bielsa’s attacking style earned him hero status, personified by the towering mural that honours his achievements, alongside those of Leeds born Kalvin Phillips and the legend that is Gary Speed. He was part of the 1992 Division One title winning team, assembled by Wilkinson, and who marched to the tune of Sgt.Wilko’s Barmy Army.
Schultze’s collection of murals form just a part of a catalogue of pictures devoted to Leeds United, that capture the architecture and the culture that accompanies it.
“I’ve photographed a lot of architecture in the north of England and undertaken projects concerning working class subcultures,” said Schultze.
“Football culture is a positive subject, usually people are happy to talk to you about it. For me, as a young female photographer, I get the chance to be more of an observer.
“People are usually overwhelmed by their emotions and don’t notice me much. I remember walking around Hyde Park in Leeds after England lost against Italy in the 2021 Euros. People were way too busy sitting in the pouring rain, crying and hugging each other, than to question what I was doing.
“These kind of photographs are taken for people who usually don’t look at photography in an artistic way. Reaching them subconsciously is hugely satisfying. I guess I just enjoy the challenge of impressing a tough crowd.”
Originally from Berlin, Schultze ended up in Leeds in her 20’s having moved to England as a teenager. She now travels between the two countries, pursuing her love of photography while at the same time analysing the impact football can have on a community, and a way of life.
“I’ve got a soft spot for northern housing estates and industrial sites, which often serve as interesting spaces for the oddest football grounds,” she said.
“Football is now mainly seen as a former working-class sport. To me it is fascinating how a sport with that kind of history brings together such a huge diversity of people from all ethnicities, genders and classes.
“People in Germany say they are crazy about football, but from my personal experience I find that football is a lot more important in everyday life in the UK. An interaction with football can be found with pretty much all well-known subcultures.
“There is no way of escaping the influences football has on everyday life.”
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