Football fanzines, a vital part of fan culture for decades, are taking centre stage in an exciting new exhibition at Leeds Central Library. The show, titled Voice of the Fans, will open on May 9, 2025, and explore the cultural and historical significance of these grassroots publications, which have long captured the passion, creativity, and camaraderie of football supporters.
Ahead of the exhibition, Leeds Central Library is inviting football enthusiasts across the region to contribute their cherished zines for display. Whether it’s a treasured copy of The Square Ball, the iconic Leeds United fanzine, or rare publications from non-league clubs, every contribution adds to the rich tapestry of football’s grassroots history.
The librarians are particularly interested in Yorkshire-based zines, including those from non-league teams and past Leeds United publications like The Hanging Sheep and Till the World Stops. Fanzines donated will also enhance the library’s growing collection, ensuring these voices of the past remain preserved for future generations.
Fans can reach out to the library at localandfamilyhistory@leeds.gov.uk with zines or information.
The exhibition, co-produced with the British Library, will trace the evolution of football fanzines from their 1970s origins to modern-day multimedia fan content. It will feature iconic publications like Foul and The End, as well as When Saturday Comes, which began in 1986 as a humble, fan-distributed magazine and grew into a cultural touchstone and Bradford City’s City Gent – the longest running football zine in the country.
Highlighting the ingenuity, humour, and activism of fanzines, the exhibition will showcase how they’ve not only celebrated the highs and lows of football but also tackled crucial social issues like racism and fascism, as seen in Leeds-based Marching Altogether.
Antony Ramm, a librarian at Leeds Central Library and curator of the exhibition, emphasised the enduring power of fanzines:
“They’ve been a huge part of holding clubs to account and exploring cultural issues affecting both players and fans. Above all, zines capture the unique spirit, enthusiasm, and humor of being a football fan.”
Councillor Mary Harland echoed this sentiment, calling fanzines “a massive aspect of life in Leeds and Yorkshire” and “a testament to the passion and creativity of football supporters.”
This collaboration with the British Library underscores the importance of preserving zines as part of both football and cultural history. Kenn Taylor, Lead Culture Producer North at the British Library, praised the exhibition as a way to open up their collection to the community while celebrating the creative legacy of fans.
Voice of the Fans promises to be a landmark celebration of football fandom, offering visitors a chance to delve into the heart and soul of grassroots publishing. To learn more about the exhibition, visit the Voice of the Fans exhibition page.
Don’t miss out on Lower Block’s latest news, features and products. Subscribe for free below and give us a follow on Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and X.
You may also enjoy…