Before the Whistles: The Alternative European Matchday

Guide | Season One

15 destinations. Countless stories. One game.

Explore Budapest, Birmingham, Duisburg, Venlo, Belfast, Soufli, Abbey Hulton, Bratislava, Wuppertal, Dublin, Prague, Győr, Nottingham, Sofia and Stoke-on-Trent.

From historic grounds and local football communities to alternative matchday experiences, this guide takes you beyond the usual football destinations.

Football is more than 90 minutes.

Before the Whistles is an independent football storytelling project exploring the cities, communities, stadiums and stories that make European football unique.

Our Season One guide takes you across 15 destinations, offering an alternative perspective on European football through local clubs, historic grounds, matchday experiences and the people who bring the game to life.

WHAT'S INSIDE THE GUIDE?

Each destination offers a different way to discover European football, combining the game with local culture and practical travel information.

• The Football Experience: Discover local clubs, stadiums and the matchday atmosphere.
• The City: Explore neighbourhoods, local culture and places worth discovering.
• Groundhopping Tips: Find practical information to help you plan your visit.
• Our Perspective: Discover the people, places and stories that make each destination special.

Whether you're an experienced groundhopper or planning your first football trip, this guide is designed to inspire you to explore beyond the biggest clubs and the usual tourist trail.

A GUIDE WITH A PURPOSE

Football gives us so much. It's time for all of us to give something back.

During our launch charity campaign, 100% of the net proceeds from guide sales will go to Kinetic Foundation, supporting their work using football to create opportunities for young people.

By purchasing this guide, you're not only discovering a different side of European football. You're also helping us give something back to the communities that make the game special.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

BEYOND THE GAME. INTO THE STORIES.

Digital PDF download. No physical product will be shipped.