Photos & Words: Tom Reed
Film photography fits football.
Our memories of matches are never crystal clear, even minutes after the full-time whistle.
They are murky, clouded, sometimes imagined, caught in glimpses of half-chances and snap-shots.
That's why I've enjoyed taking shots on 35mm at matches across the 2024/25 English football season.
The season starts sun-baked in August with the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, where non-League teams embark on the long road to Wembley. At Great Yarmouth Town, a row or two behind the seafront, they watch the game from picnic benches and hope that the odd teddy on the crane machine won't be all they win.
The Malvern Hills loom at Malvern Town FC, making one of the most breathtaking back-drops in English football.
The rain at Notts County FC created a fresh murk that made film shots pop at the epic Meadow Lane.
At Aston Villa, the light dappled over the monumental Holt End, and a couple of lads rested a while in their Stone Island and Adidas.
A red and white checked retro number caught the eye at Brisbane Road, while at Fulham, the George Cohen statue stood proud over the coffee vans.
Finally, at Edgar Street, Hereford FC, the Meadow End curved into the sunlight, one of the finest examples of the old-fashioned English terrace.
It's these authentic moments that film photography captures best, reminding us of some of the best days of our lives.
Pick up a vintage film camera and start snapping away. You won't regret it.
