We have a superb collection of programmes collected over the decades by a football fan, who pursued and achieved his goal of becoming a member of the 92 Club. This collection sits beside the memorabilia of a former employee at Old Trafford. Both collections can be found within our Sporting Memorabilia 2 sale ending 21st December.
But what is the 92 Club? In the world of football, passionate fans often go beyond just supporting their teams from afar. Among the most dedicated are the members of the “92 Club,” a unique fraternity of football enthusiasts committed to visiting every one of the 92 league grounds in England and Wales. This ambitious quest embodies a profound love for the game, a desire to experience the football grounds firsthand and a collection of memories that last a lifetime.
The concept of the 92 Club originated from fans’ desire to explore the rich history and diverse atmospheres of England’s football grounds. For many, attending matches is just one part of the experience; visiting the stadiums themselves offers a deeper connection to the sport. The challenge to visit all 92 league grounds (comprising the Premier League, Championship, League One, and League Two) has become a badge of honour among football supporters.
Members of the 92 Club often plan extensive trips, travelling across the country to witness matches, tour stadiums, and soak in the local football culture. Each ground presents its own unique character, and these visits are not merely about watching football; they are about the story of each club and its community.
A significant aspect of the 92 Club journey is collecting souvenirs. Fans often gather memorabilia such as matchday programs, tickets, badges, scarves, and photographs from each visit. Many keep detailed diaries or digital logs documenting their trips, noting the stadium’s features, the match result, and personal memories. These souvenirs serve as tangible reminders of their adventures and the friendships formed along the way.
The 92 Club fosters a vibrant community of supporters who share stories, tips, and encouragement. Many fans participate in online forums, social media groups, or organise meet-ups to exchange experiences and celebrate their achievements.
A different group of supporters pursuing the same goals outside of the confines of the Football League are the “Non-League Groundhoppers”. This title refers to football fans who visit and explore football grounds outside the English Football League system, typically focusing on non-League divisions. These enthusiasts enjoy visiting a variety of grounds, often seeking out unique, historic, or less-visited stadiums and sampling the best football ground pies.