Pitch Invasion - A Blog Exploring Soccer Around The World » The Big Picture

Amateur Football In Germany

Tom Dunmore — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:18:35 +0000

SV Pfiffelbach vs. SV 1951 Gaberndorf. Ground: Waldsportplatz Pfiffelbach.

Pfiffelbach score.

SpG Glesien/Zwochau/Zschernitz vs. SpG Naundorf/Zschepplin. Ground: Sportanlage an der Mühle.

SG Gnandstein 49 vs. TuS Pegau 1903. Ground: Sportstätte Gnandstein.

BSV Halle-Ammendorf vs. Hallescher FC Landespokal Sachsen-Anhalt. Ground: Stadion der Waggonbauer. Banner is a protest against rising ticket prices.

Hallescher SC 1996 II vs. Post- und Telekom SV Halle 1. Ground: Sportplatz Brandberge.

SG Aufbau/ Tasmania III vs. SV Bruckdorf 1948 II.

Ground: Sportplatz Motor II.

SV Spora vs. SV Mertendorf. Ground: Sportplatz Nißma.

SV Teuchern II vs. SV Krauschwitz 1. Ground: Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Stadion.

Naumburger SV 05 II vs. TSV Leuna 1919. Ground: Sportanlage NSV 05/Hallescher Anger.

The "Upper Ground" and the "Lower Ground" are seperated by a railroad. Grounds: Sportplatz Grün-Weiß Langendorf.

SV Eintracht Profen vs. TSV Leuna 1919. Ground: stadion des Friedens.

Ground: Erich Schulz Sportstätte, Deuben.

Ground: Sportplatz am Wald, Droyßiger SG.

Ground: Sportplatz am Wald, Droyßiger SG. The ground marks the edge of the wood of Droyßig.

Football ground of Fortuna Bad Bibra.

TuS Germania Schnelsen vs. FSV Dörnberg. Ground: Stadion Lindenberg.

TSV Geyer vs. BSG Motor Zschopau. Ground: Sportplatz Geyer II.

VfB Apolda vs. FC Carl Zeiss Jena. Ground: Hans Geupel Stadion.

All photos taken by and used with the permission of fchmksfkcb on Flickr.

Away Days: FC United of Manchester

Tom Dunmore — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:46:16 +0000

In 2005, FC United of Manchester was founded by disaffected fans of Manchester United. They created their own club, one that will forever be fan-owned, and began playing at the bottom of the English football pyramid, about as far from the bright lights of Old Trafford as one can go. From the beginning, FCUM fan Matthew Wilkinson has been traveling far and wide in support of the club and photographing much of their adventure as it has gone on. With the kind permission of Matthew, we present here a selection of his photos chronicling FC United of Manchester’s away days since 2005.

2005-2006

Stainton Park, Radcliffe. The home of Radcliffe Borough FC. Pictured at Castleton Gabriels v FC United of Manchester.

North West Counties Football League Division Two. New Mills 0-2 FC United of Manchester. Ewen Fields, Hyde, Greater Manchester.

2006-2007

North West Counties Football League Division One. Abbey Hey 1-5 FC United of Manchester. Ewen Fields, Hyde, Greater Manchester.

At Shambles Square on the day of the North West Counties Football League Challenge Cup Final. Curzon Ashton 1-2 FC United of Manchester.

2007-2008

Northern Premier League Division One North. Bridlington Town 0-3 FC United of Manchester. Queensgate, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire.

Pictured at Fleetwood Town v FC United of Manchester.

2008-2009

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Kendal Town 1-2 FC United of Manchester. Lakeland Radio Stadium, Kendal, Cumbria.

Home of Djurgårdens IF Fotboll, Sweden. Pictured at Djurgårdens IF Fotboll v FC United of Manchester

2009-2010

FC Sankt-Pauli 3- 3 FC United of Manchester. Friendly. Millerntor-Stadion, Hamburg, Germany.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Ossett Town 1-2 FC United of Manchester. Ingfield, Ossett, West Yorkshire.

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round. North Ferriby United 0-1 FC United of Manchester. Grange Lane, North Ferriby, East Riding of Yorkshire.

FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round. Sheffield FC 1-3 FC United of Manchester. Coach and Horses Ground, Dronfield, Derbyshire.

2010-2011

Friendly. Bala Town 1-6 FC United of Manchester. Maes Tegid, Bala, Gwynedd, Wales

FA Cup Second Round. Brighton and Hove Albion 1-1 FC United of Manchester. Withdean Stadium, Brighton, East Sussex.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Matlock Town 1-2 FC United of Manchester. Causeway Lane, Matlock, Derbyshire.

FA Cup First Round. Rochdale 2-3 FC United of Manchester. Spotland, Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Friendly. Oldham Borough FC 0-0 FC United of Manchester. Whitebank Stadium, Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Northern Premier League. Mickleover Sports 2-0 FC United of Manchester. Mickleover Sports Ground, Mickleover, Derbyshire.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Matlock Town 1-2 FC United of Manchester. Causeway Lane, Matlock, Derbyshire.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Chasetown 2-0 FC United of Manchester. The Scholars Ground, Chasetown, Staffordshire.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Matlock Town 1-2 FC United of Manchester. Causeway Lane, Matlock, Derbyshire.

Northern Premier League. FC Halifax Town 4-1 FC United of Manchester. The Shay, Halifax, West Yorkshire.

2011-2012

Pre match gossip. Bradford Park Avenue 2-5 FC United of Manchester. Horsfall Stadium, Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Burscough 3-5 FC United of Manchester. Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium, Skelmersdale, Lancashire.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Chorley FC 2-0 FC United of Manchester. Victory Park, Chorley, Lancashire.

FA Trophy Second Round Qualifying. Durham City FC 1-1 FC United of Manchester. Arnott Stadium, Durham, County Durham.

Friendly. Leek Town 0-2 FC United of Manchester. Harrison Park, Leek, Staffordshire.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. FC United of Manchester 1-1 Marine AFC. Bower Fold, Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

Friendly. Winsford United 1-0 FC United of Manchester. Barton Stadium, Winsford, Cheshire.

Northern Premier League Premier Division. Worksop Town 2-3 FC United of Manchester. Sandy Lane, Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

See more photos by Matthew Wilkinson on his Flickr page

DIY Graphics: Portland Timbers Supporter Propaganda

Tom Dunmore — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:14:43 +0000

This was how it began:

Graphic designer Brent Diskin had long liked soccer, but grew up in a household proud of its support of Oregon State’s college football team, and that was his main sporting interest until very recently. So how did Diskin end up producing the posters above, upon the Portland Timbers’ elevation to Major League Soccer in 2009?

“It was through my eldest brother – an alum of Concordia College’s soccer team – that I became aware of the Timbers and was able to make it to a few matches,” Diskin told Pitch Invasion. “When the announcement of the Timbers’ promotion to MLS in March of 2009 was made, I was carried away in my brother’s excitement and immediately started making my first few propaganda poster modifications (with “MLS – You’re Next! “ being the first). That is when I moved from being a simple fan to a supporter.”

As so often happens to supporters who become involved with passionate groups such as the Timbers Army, a toe-in-the-water soon becomes an obsession. Though Diskin’s schedule and budget made it tough for him to make it to many games, he continued to contribute how he could with his graphics, and began building from the natural connection of the Timbers Army to war imagery.

Yet as his work has progressed and Diskin has become more embedded into Timbers Army culture, so has his output reflected the diversity of the group’s grassroots support.

“I understood fairly quickly that the Timbers Army has a strong DIY culture and my little efforts will always be in support of that,” Diskin continues. “While I love making them because they allow me to be creative and push my abilities well beyond what my day-to-day work allows, I make them because I love my team, my Army, and my community. Simply, this is one small way I can help support the Timbers beyond losing my voice at Jeld-Wen Field. It has always been my hope that they help keep everyone’s action and energy up, not only in the offseason, but during the year’s campaign. I’ll certainly take a pint, but never a dime for my support.”

Of course, a key part of any supporters’ culture is rivalry, and perhaps for nobody more in North America than for Timbers and Seattle Sounders fans.

Not just the Sounders, however.

Most of Diskin’s work is, though, positively natured. Away travel is promoted with this classy series.

And as Diskin concludes, ultimately it’s about support of the team on the field: “These days, I finally have a season ticket and that guarantee that I can make it to every match, but I’ll still keep up my efforts and support and do all I can as a supporter to support the lads and bolster the spirits of my Army. As Timber Jim is often heard saying, “Spread the Love”…and this is my small way of doing so.”

Like most MLS supporters, for Diskin, the 2012 season cannot begin soon enough: he’s just able to express it visually in a way most of us cannot.

A Year In Non-League Football Photos

Tom Dunmore — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:10:02 +0000

Castles. Hedges the size of grandstands. Corner flags that have seen better days. New York Cosmos fans. Luxury suites the size of an outdoor toilet. And real, genuine, muddy football. Pitch Invasion tours a sampling of Non-League football in England throughout 2011, courtesy of the wonderful work and dedication to the lower levels of the English game by photographer Paul Paxford. Check out more from Paul at Pitchside Photo.

The grandstand pictured has now been demolished. Hayes & Yeading vs. Kidderminster Harriers, Church Road - January 2011

Lewes FC Fans. The Dripping Pan, Lewes - January 2011

The Club Shop. Lewes FC, The Dripping Pan - January 2011

The stands at the Dripping Pan, Lewes FC - January 2011

A Walk In The Ground. Lymington FC, The Sports Ground - January 2011

For the Non-League 1%. Lymington FC, The Sports Ground - January 2011

Not A Crowded Stand. Marlow FC, Alfred Davis Memorial Ground - February 2011

Now That's A Grandstand. Marlow FC, Alfred Davis Memorial Ground - February 2011

No Standing? Thatcham Town FC, Waterside Park - March 2011

Sold Out? Thatcham FC, Waterside Park - March 2011

Lonely or Content? Staines Town FC, Wheatsheaf Park - April 2011

Grandstand. Maidenhead United vs. Dartford, York Road - April 2011

Maidenhead FC Take On Dartford. York Road, Maidenhead - April 2011

Reading Fans Seek Alternate Entertainment. Eastleigh vs. Reading XI, Silverlake Stadium - July 2011

A Lonely Supporter At Sholing vs. Salisbury City. Portsmouth Road, Southampton - July 2011

Recycle While You Support. Hartley Wintney FC, The Memorial Ground - September 2011

Save! Basingstoke vs. Hartley Wintney, The Camrose - October 2011

Cambridge City Celebrate. AFC Totton vs. Cambridge City, Little Testwood Farm - October 2011

Frome Town FC, Badgers Hill - September 2011

An Experienced Corner Flag. Andover New Street vs. Bridport, Foxcotte Park - September 2011

Sunset. Brockenhurst vs. Lymington FC, Grigg Lane - September 2011

FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round Fever. Basingstoke Town vs. Hartley Wintney, The Camrose - October 2011

Not The Real Steven Gerrard. Basingstoke Town vs. Hartley Wintney, The Camrose - October 2011

Celebration! Basingstoke Town vs. Hartley Wintney, The Camrose - October 2011

Bemerton Heath Harlequins vs. Saltash United, The Clubhouse - November 2011

Gosport Borough vs. Braintree Town, Privett Park - December 2011

Chasing the Spitfire? Eastleigh vs. Boreham Wood, Silverlake Stadium - December 2011

Real Football, Fake Team. Eastleigh vs. Boreham Wood, Silverlake Stadium - December 2011

Arundel Castle Looms. Arundel FC vs. Horsham, Mill Road - December 2011

Curling It In. Arundel FC vs. Horsham YMCA, Mill Road - December 2011

All photos by Paul Paxford. Check out more from Paul at Pitchside Photo and on Flickr.

Illustrated Map of Argentina’s Primera División Stadiums and Clubs

Tom Dunmore — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:51:15 +0000

Bill’s Sports Maps returns to Pitch Invasion, with all the details you could possibly want on Argentina’s Primera División for the 2012 Clausura. Bill was assisted by our old friend Sam Kelly of Hasta El Gol Siempre, so you know the details should be spot-on. Click on the map for the full-size version!

Bemerton Heath in Autumn

Tom Dunmore — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:12:19 +0000

A charming shot of an F.A. Vase match between Bemerton Heath Harlequins at their ground in Wiltshire, England, against visitors Saltash United. Bemerton Heath were founded as recently as 1989, after a merger of three local clubs.

Photo taken on November 19, 2011 by Pitchside Photo on Flickr

Remembering the Rich History of Stadion Dziesięciolecia, Warsaw

Tom Dunmore — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:36:45 +0000

A gleaming new National Stadium has just been erected in Warsaw, Poland. It stands in a historic spot, on the former grounds of Stadion Dziesięciolecia (“Tenth Anniversary Stadium”, named for ten years of Poland’s new political state), built from the rubble left by the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and pictured above prior to its demolition.

Designed by renowned Polish architect Jerzego Hryniewieckiego and built in a little over a year, the bowl-shaped stadium was opened in 1955 with a capacity over 70,000, and became a regular spot for big games, athletics and significant state events.

In its final years, Stadion Dziesięciolecia was left derelict.

Stadion Dziesięciolecia has a rich history worth remembering, one that extends beyond the games played there, though it featured some notably memorable ones. In 1961, during a poor period for the Polish national team, Poland surprisingly defeated the Soviet Union – reigning European champions at the time – at Stadion Dziesięciolecia, 1-0, thanks to a goal by the fantastic Polish forward Ernest Pohl. A rough foul on the Polish goalkeeper sparked a riot as the ambulance pulled away, bottles and umbrellas raining onto the field, and the Soviet players were attacked by a mob as they left the pitch.

In 1968, it was the location for Ryszard Siwiec’s self-immolation in protest at the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, and Poland’s participation in the Warsaw Pact. He set himself alight during a Harvest Festival at the stadium, with almost 100,000 people present.

Six years later, the stadium featured in a 1974 Polish movie, Chleba naszego powszedniego.

In 1983, Stadion Dziesięciolecia hosted its last official sporting event, a match between Poland and Finland. The same year Pope John Paul II held mass at the stadium. News reports suggested that somehow, more than a million Poles crammed in and around the stadium, a pivotal moment for the Solidarity movement as the stadium rang with chants for Lech Walesa and with illicit banners supporting the banned independent union flooding the stands.

In 1989, the stadium was leased by a Polish entrepreneur at the vanguard of Polish capitalism, Bogdan Tomaszewski. He turned the area around the stadium into Europe’s largest street market — Jarmark Europa — a great place to pick up a bootleg VHS, “Leevis” jeans or Russian cigarettes. In 1993, the New York Times reported from the market: “Loudspeakers blared out prices, vendors strolled through the preoccupied crowd with pretzels and sausages, and everywhere was the pressing horde of hawkers, selling used wrenches, plastic flowers, briefcases, packets of lace panties, Soviet army hats, umbrellas, vodka, tape recorders, boots, plastic toy tanks and windshield wipers.”

The stalls numbered some 4,000 around the stadium, taking in a million customers a month, divided by ethnic area, with the Russians occupying the least desirable spots, but flooding there nonetheless, heated haggling dominating the atmosphere, according to Matthew Brzezinski’s Casino Moscow. Some kind of order was kept by the 100+ security guards Tomaszewski had hired to patrol the market that ringed the crumbling stadium.

The stadium’s field itself became known as a good place to catch a casual game of football, but nothing more to suggest use of its original purpose. Now, it is a memory.

Albeit, a memory replaced by spectacular gleaming steel and glass, one the world will see when Warsaw’s new National Stadium hosts the opening game of Euro 2012 in June.

Photo credits: Down Under Photography; efhgcvno; Markus Kolletzky; the vPunch; jaime.silva

Tivoli Stadium – Lost Home of Alemannia Aachen, Germany

Tom Dunmore — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:28:45 +0000

German club Allemania Aachen now play in the splendidly modern New Tivoli Stadium, but their home between 1928 and 2009 was the original Tivoli Stadium, which still stands as pictured above in August this year.

Alemannia Aachen enjoyed considerable success in the 1960s, shortly after Tivoli’s capacity was increased, Bundesliga runners-up in 1969. However, bankruptcy almost ended the club’s existence in the 1970s, Aachen saved by several big German teams playing friendlies at Tivoli stadium for no charge to raise funds. Most of their existence has seen them in 2. Bundesliga, though they also spent a season in the top flight in 2006-07, a last year of glory for the crumbling old Tivoli stadium. Capacity crowds of 20,000-odd filled the stadium (only around half covered by a roof), and Aachen even ended up in the UEFA Cup in 2005-06 after finishing as runners-up in the German Cup. Those European nights, however, were not played at Tivoli because the stadium did not meet UEFA’s criteria.

Below, a couple of shots from Tivoli’s days in the Bundesliga in 2006.

Photo credit: kleiner hobbit (top) and Bjørn Giesenbauer (bottom two) on Flickr.

A Lost Theatre of Dreams – Bosuilstadion, Royal Antwerp F.C.

Tom Dunmore — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:06:40 +0000

This is Bosuilstadion in Belgium, home to Royal Antwerp Football Club. It was once a grand home of European football, with a capacity close to 60,000 and the venue for West Germany’s 2-1 win over Belgium in the 1972 European Championship semi-final. It also hosted dozens of eagerly-anticipated friendlies between the Netherlands and Belgium, up until 1977.

Originally opened in 1923, amongst the fields of the Deurne district of Antwerp (a traditional home of aristocratic estates), it was expanded in the 1950s for national team use alongside the success of Royal Antwerp FC, who won the league in 1957. Royal Antwerp haven’t won the league since, though, and despite some flickers of form from time to time, they have flattered to deceive in terms of recapturing their former glory and the stadium has been largely neglected, now holding less than 17,000 fans.

Renovation plans in the 1990s to revive the stadium as a host venue for the 2000 European Championship held jointly in Belgium and the Netherlands floundered, though one of the stands planned for the renovation – 3,000 seats, covered – was eventually built.

Royal Antwerp FC are best known now for the youth development partnership they began with Manchester United in the 1990s. Bosuilstadion, however, is hardly a theatre of dreams these days, as the photos from November 2011 below show.

Photo credits: jordi1880 (top three photos) and Dagelijksbrood on Flickr (bottom four photos).

A Barbed Entrance – Inver Park, Larne FC

Tom Dunmore — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:44:33 +0000

Inver Park, the 3,000 capacity home ground of Northern Irish team Larne F.C., who play in the IFA Championship first division, one step below Ireland’s premier national league, the IFA Premiership.

Photo credit: vip223 on Flickr