By Association

In 1970, a football legend was born. Inspired by a NASA satellite and motivated by a global television audience, Adidas created an iconic match ball …

It's one of the most challenging and criticised jobs in football; what motivates someone to be a referee? We explore what it takes to be an official …

Determined to fulfil a boyhood dream of playing international football, Paul Watson went searching for a minnow team that would provide an easy path …

The origin story of the United States Women's National Team, and their historic victory at the first ever Women's World Cup in 1991. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, and the global campaign that saved his life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is By Association, human stories from the beautiful game.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 21st of February 1897, in a cafe in Paris, a football club was born. It was founded on inclusive values, which it still upholds today. This is …

What does it take to be a professional footballer? From childhood dream to playing in a World Cup, former Danish international and Premier League goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen reflects on life in the game and competing at …

Football is often said to be a universal language. If you can play it, you can communicate with anyone around the world. But as the sport has …

On January 22 1927, BBC Radio broadcast a football match for the very first time. It was thought that radio coverage would affect match attendance …

It was November 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War when an international football tournament was held in Saigon - and Australia's national team was sent to compete.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world game, football is a reflection of our global society. It has the power to transcend political, religious, cultural and social barriers. …

Whether you’re a player on the pitch or a fan in the stands, the highs and lows over the course of a football match test our nerves and pull at our …

This is the story of the worlds oldest football trophy and the games first knockout tournament. Before the FA Cup, there was the Youdan Cup. 

See …

Association football may be the most popular sport in the world but in many regions the development of the game remains a work in progress. For …

FIFA, football’s world governing body, established in 1904 to oversee the international game. Today, it’s comprised of 211 member associations. That’s more than the United Nations. But of course, there are many nations …

In collaboration with The Blizzard - The Football Quarterly, we present 'The Silenced Crowd'. The greatest scandal in British football in the first …

It's a scene that plays out every weekend around the world during the football season. People flock to their local community clubs to watch, play, …

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own football club? This is the story of some football fans who went several steps further. They created an …

As a global sport football is integral to so many cultures around the world and naturally, we see it represented in many different art forms, …

A nation torn apart by war and the football team that defied all odds to achieve the impossible. This is the inspirational story of how Iraq became Champions of Asia. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Football video games have become a major part of soccer fandom. We explore their role in modern football culture and the growing influence they're …

This is the story of Dylan Tombides. The young Australian footballer who’s brave battle with testicular cancer inspired the Foundation in his name …

2004 saw the demise of Australia’s National Soccer League, which existed in various forms from 1977 as the top level of the game in the country. It made way for a new national competition, which commenced in 2005 - the …

Football's success stories are well documented. Like the youth players that rise through the ranks of the academy system to make it as professionals. But what about the ones who don't make it?

Ignacio Martin was just …

In 1921, with the popularity of football growing rapidly throughout Europe, Englishman, Harold Searles Thornton wanted to create a game that …

For many of us, our love for the game begins from a young age and it's these early experiences that often define our relationship to football and the connection we have to our favourite club.

This was certainly the case …

Football writer, Musa Okwonga talks about his connection with football, his love for Manchester United and capturing the beauty and simplicity of the world game through poetry. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy …

In July 1936, The Civil War broke out in Spain and the La Liga season was put on hold as tensions grew around the country. Aligning with the …

An amateur pub team embark on a football tour of the Far East. But what they find when they arrive, nobody would have expected. 

See …

In 1992 the European Cup became the Champions League. Not only was it the introduction of a new group stage format, it also gave us a piece of music …

The story of the 1975 Portland Timbers. Author, Michael Orr and original '75 Timbers player, Mick Hoban document the establishment of the football club and their debut season in the North American Soccer League.

See …

A life-long Arsenal fan travels from Australia to London in the hope of witnessing the clubs last ever match at Highbury.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.