In the run-up to the 2026 World Cup, the National Football Museum is celebrating the journeys of England’s brightest football stars this summer with ‘From Grassroots to Greatness‘, a major exhibition exploring how players, coaches, referees and fans begin their footballing lives – including personal memorabilia from England captain Harry Kane.
Running now through the summer, the exhibition highlights the streets, parks, playgrounds, families and communities that shape future legends — showing that every star starts somewhere.
A special feature created with England Football, ‘Origins‘ traces the pathways from grassroots pitches to the international stage. It spotlights coaches, referees, managers and some of England’s greatest players, celebrating the country’s deep grassroots football culture.
Harry Kane’s personal memorabilia display
Visitors can follow the rise of England men’s captain and all‑time leading goal-scorer Harry Kane through a collection of personal items loaned from his own archive.
Featured objects include:
- His Ridgeway Rovers junior team shirt
- His England debut shirt
- Match‑worn boots
These items appear in the museum’s ‘England on the World Stage‘ display from 17 June to 31 August.
Additional summer exhibitions & activities
- Head, Shoulders, Knees and Goals — a special exhibition exploring football through the body, mind, movement, representation and science.
- Yard Ball — a nostalgic, interactive street‑football experience supported by The Players Foundation.
Tim Desmond, CEO at the National Football Museum, said: “As we follow England’s brightest stars on the global stage, it’s important for us all to be reminded of where it all started for them – a kickabout in the park, that first Sunday League team or watching someone play that inspired a love for the game.
“Origins, in association with England Football, spans the country and celebrates the wide spectrum of people involved in football – the referees, players, coaches, families and communities that make grassroots football thrive.
“Alongside personal and sentimental objects spanning Harry Kane’s career and our busy programme of interactive displays and events, there’s no better place to celebrate the world’s greatest football tournament this summer.”
Harry Kane said: “I am incredibly proud to be part of ‘From Grassroots to Greatness’ at the National Football Museum this summer. Every player in the England squad started somewhere, and for me, it all began on the pitches at Ridgeway Rovers. Looking at my first shirt alongside other items that are special to me, such as my England debut shirt, brings back so many incredible memories.
“I am delighted to have these items and more on show because they’re a reminder that with hard work, self-belief and resilience, they helped me get to where I am now and being able to play on the world’s biggest stage, like the World Cup this month. By sharing my story, I hope my journey inspires the next generation, and I’d encourage everyone to visit the museum this summer, and hopefully, you will go away feeling inspired.”
You can visit the National Football Museum Monday-Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Last admission 4pm. You can book here.
📍 National Football Museum, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG.