More Than a Game Exhibition now open in the museum

In the Scottish Football Museum, our new exhibition ‘More Than a Game’ is now on display which explores different societies and diversities through football rivalries.

Success on the football field can put towns, even countries, on the map, enhancing civic and national prestige. This can have a significant impact on people’s lives; for example, during the Great Depression of the 1930’s football acted as a form of escapism for individuals and communities in Scotland who were otherwise marginalised within society.

Football supporters identify with the clubs and national grand that they follow and can even view them as a symbol of their own identify. In different parts of the world today where tensions within communities have led to intolerance and hostility, problems teaks ting to racism and sectarianism have often manifested within the game itself. Football, however, can also represent positive aspects of society and culture.

At its very best, the global game is a celebration of humanity, community, and diversity.

Association football is played throughout the world to a simple and uniform set of rules. From São Paulo to Shanghai, two teams, each compromising 10 outfield players and a goalkeeper, line up against each other to play in a match with a normal duration of 90 minutes. Look beyond the March, however, and you will find diversity, as football clubs and national teams reflect and represent a variety of cultures and identities.

These differences are particularly in evidence where football clubs or mailman teams share a rivalry. Many football rivalries exist for the simple reason of geographic proximity. Some football rivalries have developed as a direct result of sustained success on the playing field. Other rivalries may share both of these characteristics whilst reflecting wider cultural differences.

Come on down to see our new exhibition! Museum opening times are Monday to Saturday 10am- 5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.