Image
As a rallying cry
Numerous belligerent nations used football to recruit for the citizen armies they were raising.
Image
“Play for England” poster
From the John Johnson poster collection
As a morale-raiser
Even before the war, militaries had already been adopting football for training, fitness and esprit de corps.
Image
Belgian soldiers playing football on the frontlines
Image
The London Irish “Loos Football”
On Sept. 25, 1915, on the opening day of the Battle of Loos, the London Irish Rifles, 18th Battalion, London Regiment took a football and kicked it ahead of them as they attacked the German lines to the west of the mining town of Loos.
Photograph by Michael St Maur Sheil
Object ID: 2021.169.246
Image
German soldiers with football
As an escape
Whether people served on the frontlines or the home front, they turned to football for mental refuge from the hardships they faced.
Image
German civilian prisoners of war playing football at Ile Longue Internment Camp
Image
Charles-Simon Trophy
Original trophy of the Coupe de France national football tournament, first held in 1917.
From the collection of the French Football Federation
Chart the rise of football (for players and supporters) in the years before the Great War, then journey through the story of its impact on WWI and explore the poignant influence of “the beautiful game” on people living during wartime.
Image
