The English Game

A journey of football and self-discovery from an Italian who came to England with a one-way ticket and a burning desire to chronicle the country’s rich and colourful footballing culture.

From the magic of Stamford Bridge to the charm of little Sandygate, the oldest football stadium in the world, from north to south and east to west, via trains, buses and tubes, the author gets to the heart of England’s long love affair with the beautiful game through 52 compelling stories of football and life.

The narrative is told not only by the author himself but the people he meets along the way. Highlights include:

• The author represents Upton Park FC as a player in an historic game against the famous Royal Engineers
• He experiences the Isles of Scilly League (the smallest league in the world) first-hand, and walks across the famous Garrison Field pitch where the games are held
• He awards the world’s oldest club, Sheffield FC, with the victory trophy after the game against Hallam FC, the world’s second-oldest club, and gains special insight from Sheffield chairman Richard Tims
• Lifelong Fulham FC supporter Morgan shares memories of seeing legends such as George Best, Johnny Haynes and Pelé play at Craven Cottage

From the lower leagues to the Premier League, these and other remarkable tales bring club and stadium histories to life in a vibrant and uniquely relatable way.

Ivan Ambrosio was born in Gragnano (NA), in Italy, in 1993, and grew up in a small town. At 19, he left school and moved to London with a one-way ticket. In England, he realised most of his dreams, including visiting more than 320 football stadiums and watching more than 250 live games. In 2023, he graduated from St Mary's University in London, and is now a professional football coach. His motto? Never give up and follow your dreams – always!

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