EMOTIONS & IDENTITY
For many football fans, support for a club is central to their identity.
Countless hours are spent reading books and articles, watching highlights and engaging in never-ending debates.
The results of their team have the power to ruin a weekend or offer hope for the year ahead.
Football makes people feel the highest highs and lowest lows, with misery, joy, anger and pride all just one kick away.
This emotional journey is one reason why memories of football fandom remain so strong throughout people’s lives.
Background Image: Huge queues outside St. James' Park as Newcastle fans try to buy tickets for their 1955 FA Cup Quarter Final replay against Huddersfield Town.
It’s a bit like a marriage.
You don’t walk away just because it’s a bit rough at times.
You stick it out.
Pearl. Fan since the 1970s.
You know the song, Sunderland Until I Die?
Yes, well, that could be me.
That will be me, because I will be.
Anne. Fan since the 1960s.
It can blight a weekend, if I am honest. There’s an emotional investment, there’s a financial investment, there’s a time investment…
and then you get that one game where you sit there and go, right, okay, I know why we still go.
Kathryn. Fan since the 1980s.
Click the scarves below for more stories of loyal Newcastle and Sunderland fans.
Tap the scarves below for more stories of loyal Newcastle and Sunderland fans.
It’s just part of your life; it’s part of being here in the city.
It’s an addiction, I guess.
Sue. Fan since the 1980s.
Your football team gets into your heart, and that’s where it stays.
My heart is with Sunderland Football Club.
Margaret. Fan since the 1950s.
It’s just part of your life; it’s part of being here in the city.
It’s an addiction, I guess.
Sue. Fan since the 1980s.
Your football team gets into your heart, and that’s where it stays.
My heart is with Sunderland Football Club.
Margaret. Fan since the 1950s.
Our Creative Age group have been reflecting on the stories of women fans interviewed for this project, as well as their own memories of football in the North East.
The group designed the banner below with the slogan THROUGH THE MUD WE SHINE reflecting their own health challenges and the power of sport and creativity to lift our spirits.
Click the audio icon at the bottom right of the banner to hear the unique matchday soundscape they recorded with musician Caroline Roach.
Members of Creative Age creating the football-inspired soundscape.
Members of Creative Age creating the football-inspired soundscape.
Listen out for the group’s version of Blaydon Races, a classic folk song that has been sung by both Newcastle and Sunderland fans at different points in history.
(Soundscape duration: 4 minutes 11 seconds)
“I really enjoyed the drumming and shouting GOOOALLLLL! It’s a good way to get your frustrations out!"
Paul, Creative Age member.
Fan scrapbook from the 1950s, used to spark memories in the Creative Age group. Courtesy of North East Museums.
Fan scrapbook from the 1950s, used to spark memories in the Creative Age group. Courtesy of North East Museums.
Creative Age is a free, weekly art group for people living with dementia or other long-term health challenges.
We focus on having fun, trying new things and exploring all forms of creativity.
Press the button below to continue or use the menu to select the exhibition theme you want to visit.
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