Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.
For Akis Katsoudas, no field holds more meaning than the one in his village. Growing up, he dreamed of playing for the local team, Aris Malesiadas, which disbanded in the late 2000s. Years later, Akis and a group of friends revived the team, and while he now mostly captures its essence through his camera, he occasionally joins the game when players are short. Akis’s photographs reflect the carefree spirit of his childhood on the dirt pitch, showing that football is more than a sport—it’s a chance to reconnect, share laughs, and celebrate the joy of playing together.
Read MoreDate: April 2024 FCS-ID: 013/AK10424—30
Akis Katsoudas
Moroccan-American photographer Jinane Ennasri explores her roots in her motherland through her lens. Her work captures intimate, everyday moments in streets, markets, and on pitches—offering fresh perspectives beyond the typical holiday images. Her photos are soft and delicate, revealing a deep, personal connection to her homeland as she rediscovers it with every visit. Through her craft, Jinane transforms the ordinary into something beautiful, honoring Morocco’s untold stories.
Read MoreDate: May 2024 FCS-ID: 013/JE10524—212
Jinane Ennasri
Ever since reading The Miracle of Castel di Sangro, Anders Hviid has felt a deep connection to Italy’s rural regions, with Abruzzo holding a special place in his heart. One warm spring night, he found himself in Pescara, where the Adriatic coast was buzzing with fans gathering at Stadio Adriatico—a classic 1950s stadium with a distinctive oval shape and running track. Despite its imperfect viewing setup, Hviid appreciates the character of Italian stadiums. As halftime arrived, the Curva filled with Ultras, families, and friends, all reveling in the unique football atmosphere on an unforgettable March night.
Read moreDate: March 2024 FCS-ID: 012/AH20324—39 Anders Hviid
Lille-based photographer Scott Groult explores Mongolia's emerging football culture, capturing youth teams playing amid Ulaanbaatar’s imposing apartment blocks, donning jerseys of stars like Mbappé and Ronaldo. In a country where traditional sports like wrestling dominate, football faces challenges from harsh winters and limited facilities. Yet, growing youth interest hints at the game’s quiet rise in Mongolia.
Read moreDate: June 2024 FCS-ID: 011/SG30624—976
Scott Groult
Rotterdam-based photographer Willem de Kam captures the unfiltered emotions of Feyenoord's fan culture in a city where football is deeply rooted. His work reveals how primal displays of emotion—from jubilation to anger and despair—are often met by forces that seek to control them, providing insight into the unique dynamics of Rotterdam's football community.
Read moreDate: May 2023 FCS-ID: 010/WdK10523—31 Willem de Kam
Alejandro Gutiérrez Mora captures the evolving football culture of Tijuana, a city where the beautiful game wasn’t always prominent. Since the founding of Club Tijuana in 2007, football has gained a stronghold in the border city. As a Baja California native, Alejandro documents both the major moments and the hidden stories, offering a personal perspective on the city's young but growing football scene.
Read more Date: August 2024 FCS-ID: 009/AGM1G0824—52 Alejandro Gutiérrez Mora
Anders Hviid captures the essence of football in its most authentic form, focusing on Italian Serie C and similar clubs where tradition prevails. Using medium format analog photography, he embraces a slower, more deliberate approach, revealing the cultural depth and community value that football brings to these historic grounds.
Read more Date: May 2022 FCS-ID:008/AH10522—39
Anders Hviid
Ethan White captures the essence of Athens Kallithea FC, a club where authenticity thrives amid modern football's commercialization. His work delves into the brotherhood, the ethos, and the deep connection between the club and its local supporters, revealing the beauty of the game in its purest form.
Read moreDate: May 2024 FCS-ID:007/EW10524—30
Ethan White
Scott Groult’s latest project took him to Cabo Verde, an Atlantic archipelago where football is a way of life. As the June sun sets, pitches across the islands come alive with players of all ages, serving as vital gathering places for entire communities. His photographs reveal a culture where the game is truly for everyone.
Read moreDATE: June 2023 FCS-ID: 006/SG20623—238
Scott Groult
05
ARGENTINA
In September 2022, photographer Matthew David Stith immersed himself in Argentina's football culture, attending 11 matches in just 13 days. From sharing fernet with Boca fans before the Superclásico to exchanging stories over steaks with locals, his journey captures the game’s deep-rooted significance in daily life. This project goes beyond the matches, delving into the soul of a football-obsessed nation.
Read moreDate: September 2022 FCS-ID: 005/MDS20424—355
Matthew David Stith
Willem de Kam reflects on the intersection of control and chaos within Dutch football culture, where efforts to manage crowds contrast with the primal energy of the stands. He explores the sport's role as a modern-day religion, community focal point, and the fascinating behaviors that emerge in support of the game.
Read moreDate: September 2014 FCS-ID: 004/WDK10118—31
Willem de Kam
Cole Wilson’s journey in Sofia began unexpectedly, turning a brief stopover into a profound personal project. Through chance encounters, he captured the raw essence of youth football at Levski FC, navigating muddy fields and unplanned moments.
Read moreDate: September 2014 FCS-ID: 003/CW10914—359 Cole Wilson
Matthew David Stith journeyed to the Ivory Coast in 2023 to explore the vibrant football culture often overlooked by Western narratives. Over seven days, he attended matches in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, capturing the passion, diversity, and pride that define the game on the continent. His experience offers a fresh perspective on African football, far beyond the usual stories.
Read moreDate: January 2024 FCS-ID:002/MDS10124—225 Matthew David Stith
In April, photographer Scott Groult ventured into Albania, uncovering the nation's football culture through closed stadiums, youth tournaments on rugged pitches, and remnants of the past. His journey reveals a country where the spirit of Calcio runs deep, blending history and the unrefined beauty of the game.
Read moreDate: April 2024 FCS-ID:001/SG10224—355
Scott Groult