New project aims to capture football history

Derbyshire FA has begun a new project to uncover, catalogue and preserve the history of football across the county.

Formed in 1883, Derbyshire FA has played a part in the development of the game across the county for more than 140 years.

During that time, a significant collection of trophies, handbooks, minute books and other historic items has been accumulated, providing a fascinating record of how football in Derbyshire has evolved.

To help explore and document that history, Derbyshire FA is working with Andy Ellis, memorabilia collector and official Derby County historian.

Andy has begun the process of cataloguing the association’s historic collection, including near-complete minute books dating from its formation through to the present day.

These records have the potential to uncover countless stories of former clubs and leagues, as well as the people who have helped shape and influence football across Derbyshire.

The initial focus of the project will be on understanding and recording what is held within the Derbyshire FA archives, ensuring important pieces of the county’s footballing history are preserved for the future.

Once the cataloguing process is complete, Derbyshire FA will explore how these stories can be shared with a wider audience through written and digital content, while also looking at how the history being made across the county today can be captured for future generations.