The World's First Football Club
Joseph Smart, Sheffield
Joe Smart is the club photographer for Sheffield FC. Established in 1857, Sheffield FC is known internationally as The World's First Football Club. In 2004 the club was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit, an award given to only one other club; Real Madrid. In 2013 Sheffield FC founded the Club of Pioneers, a worldwide network of the oldest continuing football clubs from each country in the world.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?
My name is Joe Smart, I am 27 years old and I am a club photographer for Sheffield FC. I got involved with Sheffield FC when I was doing a university project and I was invited by my mate's dad, who is now the Club Secretary, to take some photos - and the rest is history.
My university project was just a small photography project where we had to choose a topic to take photos of multiple subjects and I chose the city of Sheffield. I went to Sheffield Hallam University for 4 years.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning?
The photos were taken at the ground of ‘The World's First Football Club’, Sheffield FC, who are currently based in Dronfield, Derbyshire. They have never had a proper stadium to call their own. The photos show some players as well as a few members of staff but mainly capture the essence of the ground. I wanted to show off where The World's First Football Club resides, the energy of what non-league football is about, and the kind of environment provided on a matchday.
There is a photo of the players in the tunnel. It shows how close you can get to the action in non-league football and be part of the game compared to football higher up in the pyramid.
You can also see players warming up, fans queuing for hot food, kit on display in the Club shop, and the club banner out on display as players get prepared to walk through them. There is also Operations Manager Dave and ex-General Manager Richard at the turnstile letting people in.
Can you tell us the history of Sheffield FC?
The club is incredibly special, they are the founders of football. The founders of the club are the ones who brought it to the world. Without Sheffield FC, there would not be the game we love and cherish today.
What role does football play in your community and English society?
I think football provides a lot to the community surrounding Sheffield FC. It gives people like myself an escape and pleasure from the turmoil of real life. The club itself gets itself involved in the community, providing age-friendly matchday experiences, showing support to the most vulnerable, all while promoting the rich history of the club.
What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?
Football means a lot to me. Photography has always been a passion of mine too. It provides me a sense of accomplishment but also brings a lot of good times (and bad depending on the result!). Since my father died, I have felt like pursuing my passions more than ever and will continue to involve myself with the Club.
What is the future for football in Sheffield and England?
Sheffield FC are aiming to be back in Sheffield and encourage more people to support the team and help them strive on and off the pitch. Football will always be a huge part of life in the city as well as the country as it is rich in history and brings so much emotion to a lot of people's lives.
