Leeds Central Library is bringing together a unique collection of zines that chronicle the passion, joy, and heartbreak of football fans over the years.
This curated collection will be the highlight of the forthcoming exhibition, Voice of the Fans, which is scheduled to open in May. The exhibition aims to celebrate the creativity and commitment of football supporters, providing insights into the cultural influence of football fandom over the years. Librarians are encouraging fans from across the region to explore their personal collections and submit their prized zines for possible inclusion in the display.
Highlights of the exhibition will include issues of The Square Ball, a beloved Leeds United fanzine that celebrates club legends like Gordon Strachan and Lucas Radebe. Also featured will be Marching Altogether, initiated by Leeds supporters to fight racism and fascism in the sport, and Bradford City’s City Gent, which holds the title of the nation’s longest-running football zine.
The exhibition Voice of the Fans, co-produced with the British Library, delves into the profound impact of grassroots self-publishing on football fan culture. Spanning from the inception of zines in the 1970s to today’s modern, multimedia content, the showcase illustrates the evolution of fan expression. Featured prominently are seminal works from the British Library’s collection, including titles like Foul, The End, and Yorkshire-based zines such as Flashing Blade and Mi Whippet’s Dead.
In preparation for the opening, staff at Leeds Central Library have meticulously reviewed their extensive zine archive. They have selected standout pieces that exemplify the creativity, innovation, and wit crafted by fans over the last five decades. Among these treasures is the inaugural issue of When Saturday Comes, first published in March 1986 at a cover price of 20p. Initially released monthly and distributed by fans, it quickly gained popularity and was soon sold in newsagents across the UK.
Fanzines donated to Leeds Central Library will enrich the existing zine collection at Leeds Libraries and could also be showcased in the exhibition’s reading area. The library is actively seeking contributions of Leeds and Yorkshire fanzines, especially those from non-league clubs. Additionally, they are interested in connecting with individuals who have contributed to producing Leeds United fanzines such as The Hanging Sheep and Till the World Stops.
Antony Ramm, librarian at Leeds Central Library, is one of the curators who has been collating the display said:
“Football fans are well known for their incredible passion for the game, and zines have played such a central role in supporters being able to make their voices heard in a totally independent and authentic way. They’ve also been a huge part of holding clubs to account as well as being at the forefront of exploring some of the important cultural issues which have affected both players and fans.
“Above all, zines really capture the unique spirit, enthusiasm and humour that’s at the heart of being a football fan, and that’s probably why they have been so enduringly popular. We’d love for fans to have a look through their collections and support the exhibition so we can try and build a full picture of this amazing zine culture which has powered football fandom in Yorkshire for decades.”
Kenn Taylor, Lead Culture Producer North at the British Library said:
“We are thrilled to be co-producing Voice of the Fans with Leeds Libraries. This special exhibition will feature a number of loans from the British Library’s collection of zines, some of which are housed at the British Library’s site in Boston Spa, near Wetherby, which includes media created by football fans from the 1970s onwards.
“Our collaboration with Leeds Libraries is part of the British Library’s wider commitment to the region, working closely with the local community in Leeds and opening up our collection for everyone.”
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety said:
“Football fan culture is a massive aspect of life in Leeds and Yorkshire, and that passion and enthusiasm for sport is part of our cultural heritage. It’s wonderful to see so many examples of the ways supporters have made their voices heard coming together in what will be an amazing celebration of creativity and love of the beautiful game.”
Leeds Libraries stand as pillars of the community, providing essential services that go beyond the traditional scope of lending books. They enrich lives, foster a sense of community, and provide spaces where all individuals can learn, create, and grow. Whether through access to information, cultural programming, or community support, Leeds Libraries ensure that every citizen of Leeds has the opportunity to thrive.
Voice of the Fans is set to open at Leeds Central Library on May 9, 2025. This exhibition will delve into the influence and evolution of grassroots self-publishing within football, charting its progression from the 1970s to the modern digital era. Additionally, it will highlight the vital role libraries play in preserving these rich histories.
Anyone able to assist with zines or information sought by the library can reach out via email to localandfamilyhistory@leeds.gov.uk
Further details about the ‘Voice of the Fans’ exhibition are available on the Leeds Library website at www.libraries.leeds.gov.uk
