Not a set of football pics but a set of art works created by me of the former Griffin Park Football Stadium, Home of Brentford Football Club until 2020.
Griffin Park opened on the 1st September 1904 with a 1-1 draw between Brentford and Plymouth Argyle, and closed after the final game between Brentford "B" and Erith Town in the London Senior Cup. The record attendance for a Brentford FC match at the ground was 38678 fora FA Cup 6th round tie against Leicester City in the February 1949, Brentford lost 2-0.
The ground has featured athletics, tennis, Gaelic Football and baseball in the early part of it's history, and was the home ground of the London Broncos Rugby League team from 2002 until 2006.
Other notes of interest about Griffin Park is the stadium being underneath the flight path of Heathrow Airport and the roof of the stands being used as giant advertising boards, and a pub being situated on each corner of the ground.
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Rugby League isn't just a hobby for me; it's a deep-rooted passion, particularly when it comes to my beloved Halifax Panthers. For years, they were known as Halifax RLFC, a club steeped in history with a legacy that includes four league championships and five Challenge Cup victories. While our glory days of consistent Super League presence are a little further back – we've been a mainstay of the Championship since our relegation in 2003 – the fire of fandom still burns bright.
A New Perspective: From Spectator to Aerial Documentarian
My journey into a unique creative project began with a pivotal moment in the sport: the Super League's decision to deny Toronto Wolfpack re-entry. This move opened up a fascinating bidding process, creating an opportunity for Championship clubs to ascend to the Super League and for League One clubs to vie for a spot in the Championship. This reshuffling ignited a new curiosity in me, specifically about the grounds of the League One clubs.
What started as a simple interest quickly evolved into an ambitious idea: creating short aerial videos of each club's stadium. My initial plan was to focus solely on the League One grounds. However, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the process. It was a refreshing departure from my usual creative endeavors, offering a new perspective and a technical challenge I truly enjoyed.
Expanding the Vision: A Full League Showcase
That enjoyment led to an expansion of my project. I realized the potential to create a comprehensive visual record of the sport's infrastructure. Consequently, I extended my aerial tours to include all the Championship clubs and, ultimately, every Super League club's home stadium. The result is a unique collection that not only showcases the diverse venues of Rugby League but also offers a bird's-eye view of the heartlands of this incredible sport. It's been a truly rewarding experience, allowing me to combine my passion for Rugby League with a newfound love for aerial videography.
League 1.
Beyond the familiar Super League and Championship, a vibrant, albeit often overlooked, tier of professional rugby league exists: League 1. This dynamic competition currently comprises ten ambitious clubs, each vying for promotion and a slice of the sport's higher echelons. Far from a static entity, League 1 is a hotbed of potential expansion, with an intriguing array of prospective teams eyeing future admission, hinting at a truly international flavour for the competition.
The whispers of expansion are particularly exciting. Imagine the return of the Toronto Wolfpack, a club that previously disrupted the rugby league landscape with their transatlantic ambitions, bringing a renewed North American presence. Joining them could be the Ottawa Aces, whose 2022 confirmation marked a significant step in the sport's Canadian footprint. The allure of the Big Apple beckons with the potential inclusion of a New York City team, promising to tap into a vast, untapped market. Further afield, the prospect of teams from Belgrade and Valencia speaks to rugby league's burgeoning global appeal, hinting at a truly pan-European competition. Domestically, the sport's grassroots are stirring, with potential new clubs from Bristol and Liverpool signalling a desire to re-establish strongholds in key English cities.
For the upcoming 2021 season, the battle for promotion will be fiercely contested by a diverse group of clubs, each with their own unique history and aspirations. From the Cumbrian strongholds, the Barrow Raiders and Workington Town will bring their traditional rivalry and passionate support. The Midlands will be represented by the Coventry Bears, a club steadily building its presence in a less traditional rugby league heartland. Yorkshire's rich heritage will be on display with the likes of Doncaster RLFC, Hunslet Hawks, and Keighley Cougars, all boasting proud histories and determined to climb the ladder. London's enduring commitment to the sport will be championed by the London Skolars, while the ambition of the North Wales Crusaders highlights the sport's growing footprint across the Celtic nations. Finally, the Rochdale Hornets and West Wales Raiders complete the line-up, each bringing their own brand of resilient rugby to the challenging League 1 arena.
League 1, therefore, is more than just a third tier; it's a melting pot of established clubs, ambitious newcomers, and fascinating international prospects, all contributing to the rich tapestry of professional rugby league. The future of the competition, with its potential for significant expansion and increased geographical diversity, promises to be an incredibly compelling narrative for fans of the sport.
Championship.
The Betfred Championship isn't just a rugby league competition; it's arguably the most competitive and unpredictable league in the entire British rugby system. Imagine a battlefield where the margins are so fine that a strong opening to the season could be the very thing that propels a team towards promotion to Super League, or conversely, condemn them to relegation. This isn't hyperbole; it's the thrilling, high-stakes reality of the Championship. The 2021 season, in particular, was a testament to this cutthroat environment. Fourteen formidable clubs lined up, each with aspirations of glory or the desperate need to secure their survival. The roster was packed with storied names and ambitious challengers: Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder, Oldham RLFC, Sheffield Eagles, Swinton Lions, Toulouse Olympique, Whitehaven RLFC, Widnes Vikings, and York City Knights.
Every single fixture in this league carries immense weight. The difference between a promotion playoff spot and the drop zone can often be just a handful of points, or even a single try. This intense pressure cooker environment forces teams to perform at their absolute peak week in and week out, leading to enthralling contests, unexpected upsets, and dramatic season finales. It’s a league where grit, determination, and tactical prowess are just as crucial as individual brilliance, making it a compelling watch for any rugby league enthusiast.
Super League.
The Super League stands as the pinnacle of professional rugby league in the United Kingdom, holding the prestigious position of being the second-highest-ranked competition globally. Its intensity and passionate fanbase make it a captivating spectacle for sports enthusiasts.
Following the unfortunate withdrawal of the Toronto Wolfpack, the Leigh Centurions earned their promotion to the Super League, ensuring a robust 12-club competition for the 2021 season. These twelve formidable teams battle it out annually for ultimate glory, each boasting a rich history and dedicated supporters.
The line up of clubs that make up this elite league includes:
Castleford Tigers: Known for their fiercely loyal fanbase and attacking flair.
Catalans Dragons: The sole French representative, bringing a unique international flavor and a powerful, physical game.
Huddersfield Giants: A club with a long history in the sport, always a tough opponent.
Hull FC: One half of the passionate Hull derby, renowned for their strong forward pack.
Hull Kingston Rovers: The other half of the Hull rivalry, often characterized by their tenacious defence.
Leeds Rhinos: One of the most successful clubs in Super League history, boasting multiple titles and a reputation for exciting rugby.
Salford Red Devils: A resilient team known for their attacking ambition and never-say-die attitude.
St Helens RFC: Widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in modern rugby league, with a consistent record of success.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: A club with a strong community presence and a history of passionate performances.
Warrington Wolves: Often contenders for major honours, playing an expansive and entertaining brand of rugby.
Wigan Warriors: Another titan of the sport, with a storied past and a reputation for developing top-tier talent.
Each season delivers thrilling matches, fierce rivalries, and incredible displays of skill and athleticism as these clubs vie for the coveted Super League trophy.
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As a football aficionado, visiting a new city always sparks the same question: "Do they have a team?" So, when I found myself in the enchanting labyrinth of Venice in October 2018, surrounded by gondolas and historic architecture, my thoughts inevitably turned to the beautiful game. I knew nothing of Venetian football, not even if it existed, but the sheer passion Italians have for the sport suggested a local club was a strong possibility. What I uncovered was a tale far more compelling than I could have imagined, a story of resilience, history, and a stadium unlike any other.
From Bankruptcy to Battle-Hardened Survivors: The Arancioneroverdi Spirit
My initial inquiries quickly confirmed my suspicions: Venice does indeed have a football club, Venezia FC, affectionately known as the Arancioneroverdi (orange-black-green). My excitement, however, was quickly tempered by the sobering reality of their recent past. This wasn't a story of glorious victories and overflowing trophy cabinets. Instead, it was a narrative woven with threads of struggle and survival. I learned that Venezia FC had faced the ultimate footballing nightmare not once, not twice, but three times, going bankrupt in 2015. And in the very season of my visit, 2018-19, they were locked in a desperate fight to avoid relegation from Serie B, a battle they ultimately won through a nail-biting play-off. Their only major honour, the Coppa Italia, dates back to 1941 – a testament to a bygone era.
This underdog status, however, only deepened my intrigue. It spoke of a club and a fanbase with an indomitable spirit, one that had weathered financial storms and on-pitch battles, refusing to be extinguished. It's a reminder that football isn't always about silverware; sometimes, it's simply about existing, about fighting another day.
Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo: A Century of Stories on the Lagoon
My quest naturally led me to their home ground, the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. As I made my way through the narrow Venetian streets, the idea of a football stadium amidst this watery cityscape felt almost surreal. And what a stadium it turned out to be! Opening its gates in 1913, it holds the remarkable distinction of being the second oldest continually used stadium in Italy. Imagine the echoes within those walls, the cheers and groans that have reverberated through a century of football.
The stadium itself is a tribute to a local hero, named after Pier Luigi Penzo, a fighter pilot who served during World War I. This dedication adds another layer of historical significance, connecting the club not just to the city's sporting heritage but also to its broader past.
While the stadium's current capacity of 7,450 pales in comparison to the record attendance of 26,000 set in 1966 for a clash against AC Milan, it still holds a unique charm. From the outside, I must admit, it looked a little sad and neglected, locked up tight with no one in sight. My hope of a quick peek inside for a small fee was unfortunately dashed. Yet, even without entering, the sheer uniqueness of its location resonated deeply.
Arriving by Boat: A Footballing Fairytale
What truly sets the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo apart, and perhaps epitomises the spirit of Venezia FC, is its extraordinary logistical quirk: visiting teams often arrive by boat. Picture this: rival players, usually accustomed to team buses and sprawling car parks, instead disembarking from a water taxi, their boots touching down on the Venetian lagoon before a crucial match. It's a truly unforgettable image, a slice of footballing fairytale that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Venice itself.
My visit to Venice was more than just a tourist's exploration of canals and ancient architecture. It was an unexpected delve into the heart of a resilient football club, a testament to the enduring power of the game even in the most improbable of settings. Venezia FC, with its tumultuous history and unique stadium, proved that sometimes the most interesting stories aren't found in the headlines, but in the quiet, persistent pulse of a community that refuses to let its dreams, and its football team, sink beneath the waves.
The images below were taken with a Nikon d3300, clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
The video below is taken from my YouTube channel.
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Fartown, originally known as St. John's Ground, has a rich sporting history that spans from cricket to rugby league. Its story begins in 1868, hosting cricket matches. In 1875, a pivotal merger took place, uniting Huddersfield St. John's Cricket Club with Huddersfield Athletic Club, which had already established a rugby club in 1866. This union laid the groundwork for Fartown's future as a rugby stronghold. By November 2nd, 1878, the ground had been sufficiently developed to host its first rugby match, a contest against the Manchester Rangers Rugby Club.
Fartown's significance in rugby history was further cemented in 1895 when the sport underwent a major split. Huddersfield joined the Northern Rugby Football Union, the breakaway faction that eventually evolved into the modern game of rugby league. Fartown became their home ground, a relationship that would last for nearly a century.
For almost a hundred years, Fartown echoed with the roar of the crowd and the clash of tackles. Its most glorious moment likely came in 1947 when it hosted a Challenge Cup Semi-Final, packing in over 35,000 spectators – a testament to the ground's capacity and the passion for rugby league in Huddersfield.
However, the stadium's fortunes began to decline in the 1980s. Despite its illustrious past, Fartown fell into disrepair. In 1992, Huddersfield Rugby League Football Club moved to the Leeds Road Stadium, marking the end of an era. Shortly after their departure, Fartown was demolished, erasing much of its physical presence. Today, only the floodlights, perimeter fencing, and the pitch itself remain as silent witnesses to the stadium's vibrant past, a reminder of the thousands of fans and the countless sporting memories forged within its boundaries. Fartown's story, though its stands may be gone, continues to resonate within the history of Huddersfield and the story of rugby league.
These pictures were taken on June 18, 2015, with my Polaroid iS2132 digital camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
The Cricket Memorial, it used to feature a clock that has been removed.
The former cricket ground, now playing host to amateur Rugby League.
Taken from the Scoreboard terrace at the ground.
The very overgrown northern terrace.
The rather sad looking former cricket pavilion.
The scoreboard end, the stadiums metal fencing still in place.
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