By Association

By Association episodes:

• 11.10.2022

  One last football story: James Parkinson on 99% Invisible

  It's been a while since the last update, but now is the right time to officially say goodbye. By Association is ending. But not before one last football story from James Parkinson. Listen to 99% Invisible - Episode 511: Vuvuzela Stay in...

  
• 07.03.2019

  The Telstar

  In 1970, a football legend was born. Inspired by a NASA satellite and motivated by a global television audience, Adidas created an iconic match ball that would leave a lasting legacy.

  
• 06.19.2019

  You Are The Ref

  It's one of the most challenging and criticised jobs in football; what motivates someone to be a referee?

  
• 06.12.2019

  Pohnpei: Football's Ultimate Underdogs

  Determined to fulfil a boyhood dream of playing international football, Paul Watson went searching for a minnow team that would provide an easy path to a national cap. But in discovering the remote Pacific island of Pohnpei, who's team was...

  
• 06.05.2019

  The first Women's World Cup

  The origin story of the United States Women's National Team, and their historic victory at the first ever Women's World Cup .

  
• 05.29.2019

  Saving Hakeem al-Araibi

  The story of refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, and the global campaign that saved his life.

  
• 05.08.2019

  Introducing By Association

  This is By Association, human stories from the beautiful game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  
• 04.16.2018

  This is Red Star

  On the 21st of February 1897, in a cafe in Paris, a football club was born. It was founded on inclusive values, which it still upholds today. This is the story of Red Star, the last romantic football club in...

  
• 03.16.2018

  Be a Pro

  What does it take to be a professional footballer? From childhood dream to playing in a World Cup, former Danish international and Premier League goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen reflects on life in the game and competing at the highest level.

  
• 01.10.2018

  The Language of Football

  Football is often said to be a universal language. If you can play it, you can communicate with anyone around the world. But as the sport has embedded itself into cultures, so too has the way we write about it...

  
• 12.04.2017

  The Art of Football Commentary

  On January 22 1927, BBC Radio broadcast a football match for the very first time. It was thought that radio coverage would affect match attendance and newspaper sales, but by 1931 the BBC were broadcasting over one hundred games a...

  
• 11.05.2017

  Tour of Duty

  It was November 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War when an international football tournament was held in Saigon - and Australia's national team was sent to compete.

  
• 10.05.2017

  Football v Homophobia

  As the world game, football is a reflection of our global society. It has the power to transcend political, religious, cultural and social barriers. But that also means there is still work to do when it comes to representation, equality...

  
• 09.05.2017

  The Anxiety of Football

  Whether you’re a player on the pitch or a fan in the stands, the highs and lows over the course of a football match test our nerves and pull at our emotions. It’s a unique experience where intense feelings are...

  
• 08.06.2017

  The Youdan Trophy

  This is the story of the worlds oldest football trophy and the games first knockout tournament. Before the FA Cup, there was the Youdan Cup.

  
• 07.06.2017

  State of the Game

  Association football may be the most popular sport in the world but in many regions the development of the game remains a work in progress. For countries that are still trying to build their own football culture, the very globalisation...

  
• 06.07.2017

  CONIFA

  FIFA, football’s world governing body, established in 1904 to oversee the international game. Today, it’s comprised of 211 member associations. That’s more than the United Nations. But of course, there are many nations outside of FIFA. That’s...

  
• 06.01.2017

  The Blizzard x By Association: The Silenced Crowd

  In collaboration with The Blizzard - The Football Quarterly, we present 'The Silenced Crowd'. The greatest scandal in British football in the first half of the twentieth century, as a group of players from two of the country’s greatest sides...

  
• 05.08.2017

  Grassroots

  It's a scene that plays out every weekend around the world during the football season. People flock to their local community clubs to watch, play, coach and volunteer. On this episode we explore why grassroots football is the lifeblood of...

  
• 04.08.2017

  Le Ballon

  Have you ever dreamed of creating your own football club? This is the story of some football fans who went several steps further. They created an entire league. Le Ballon, the coolest amateur football league in the world.

  
• 03.10.2017

  Football on Film

  As a global sport football is integral to so many cultures around the world and naturally, we see it represented in many different art forms, including film. In this episode we take a look at some of the best (and...

  
• 02.09.2017

  Iraq 2007

  A nation torn apart by war and the football team that defied all odds to achieve the impossible. This is the inspirational story of how Iraq became Champions of Asia.

  
• 01.06.2017

  The Age of the PlayStation Footballer

  Football video games have become a major part of soccer fandom. We explore their role in modern football culture and the growing influence they're having on the sport itself.

  
• 12.07.2016

  DT38

  This is the story of Dylan Tombides. The young Australian footballer who’s brave battle with testicular cancer inspired the Foundation in his name and left a legacy that aims to educate and raise awareness, throughout the football community and...

  
• 11.08.2016

  Melbourne Victory: The Foundations

  2004 saw the demise of Australia’s National Soccer League, which existed in various forms from 1977 as the top level of the game in the country. It made way for a new national competition, which commenced in 2005 - the...

  
• 10.06.2016

  La Fábrica

  Football's success stories are well documented. Like the youth players that rise through the ranks of the academy system to make it as professionals. But what about the ones who don't make it? Ignacio Martin was just like any young...

  
• 08.07.2016

  Foosball

  In 1921, with the popularity of football growing rapidly throughout Europe, Englishman, Harold Searles Thornton wanted to create a game that replicated football that people could play in their homes. Inspiration struck with a box of matches. The...

  
• 07.06.2016

  Aston Villa 1981

  For many of us, our love for the game begins from a young age and it's these early experiences that often define our relationship to football and the connection we have to our favourite club. This was certainly the case...

  
• 06.06.2016

  The Poetry of Football

  Football writer, Musa Okwonga talks about his connection with football, his love for Manchester United and capturing the beauty and simplicity of the world game through poetry.

  
• 05.07.2016

  The Man Who Saved Barcelona

  In July 1936, The Civil War broke out in Spain and the La Liga season was put on hold as tensions grew around the country. Aligning with the Republicans, FC Barcelona were a club under threat. On the verge on...

  
• 04.07.2016

  Wild Westerners FC

  An amateur pub team embark on a football tour of the Far East. But what they find when they arrive, nobody would have expected.

  
• 03.09.2016

  The Champions

  In 1992 the European Cup became the Champions League. Not only was it the introduction of a new group stage format, it also gave us a piece of music that would become iconic in its own right.

  
• 02.09.2016

  1975 Portland Timbers

  The story of the 1975 Portland Timbers. Author, Michael Orr and original '75 Timbers player, Mick Hoban document the establishment of the football club and their debut season in the North American Soccer League.

  
• 01.10.2016

  Highbury 2006

  A life long Arsenal fan travels from Australia to London in the hope of witnessing the clubs last ever match at Highbury.