Voice of the Fans 

How fanzines, and the communities that create them, changed the beautiful game. 

9 May – 10 August 2025  

A free exhibition at Leeds Central Library 

Football fans have always been more than spectators. They’re a powerful voice in the sport, supporting the teams they love but also holding clubs and wider culture to account. From the gritty charm of fanzines to the vibrant energy of podcasts, Voice of the Fans invites you to explore over 60 years of fan-made media, from the collections of the British Library and Leeds Libraries, that has defined the beautiful game.

Dive into the world of fanzines including Leeds United powerhouse The Square Ball, the global When Saturday Comes, the long-running City Gent, and the imaginatively titled War of the Monster Trucks – each brimming with unique perspectives, humour and passion. Discover how football zines were a vehicle for building communities, sparking change and amplifying voices in the fight against racism and homophobia, while championing women’s football and grassroots action.

Born out of the DIY ethos of the music and punk scenes, the raw creativity of football zines remains inspiring and relevant in today’s global game. This exhibition showcases fan-driven creativity from the UK and Ireland, and features some of the longest running and most influential football zines, alongside stories of well-known names who started their careers writing for these grassroots publications.

Tracing the development of fan self-publishing from the 1960s to today’s digital age, see how libraries have played a crucial role in preserving these cultural treasures. Voice of the Fans is a testament to the enduring power of football’s most passionate storytellers.

The exhibition is co-produced by the British Library and Leeds Libraries.

An exciting programme of events will accompany the exhibition. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out!