Middlesbrough FC has collaborated with students from the Northern School of Art to produce illustrations for its official matchday publications this season. This effort, celebrating the club's 150th year, involves local artists creating covers for games at the Riverside Stadium.
Ace Edwards made the art for the season's first league game against Lincoln City, taking ideas from the famous Roseberry Topping. For the cup match with Wrexham, Amelie Smith designed a cover showing a red lion fighting a Welsh dragon, referencing the two teams' badges.
Background and continuity of the art programme
The work with BA (Hons) Illustration students from the college in Hartlepool started at the beginning of August. It follows the positive reception of 'Play Among the Stars', an illustrated fan magazine made by students that debuted near the end of the previous season and included players from the men's and women's squads. The initiative will carry on at home fixtures during this special season, with additional student artwork to be revealed later. The club's marketing team has promised to display a new student-created cover for each home match in this anniversary year.
Club staff involvement and student reflections
Middlesbrough FC marketing manager Matthew Barber was involved with the students on this project. He said the partnership was ideal for the 150th anniversary, seeking to honour the club's strong connections to the Teesside area by backing new local creatives. Ace Edwards remarked, "It's been an honour working with my local club and I've loved seeing fans' reactions to the programme covers." Amelie Smith stated, "Seeing the final programme in professional imagery promoting MFC's game against Wrexham was a bit of a 'pinch me' moment." Another participating student, Leo Jackson, who has a design planned for a later fixture, mentioned the useful professional insight from having his work printed for a large football club.
Wider context and fan engagement
The art partnership begins while the team has made a positive beginning to the season. The club has noted that these special programmes have turned into sought-after keepsakes for fans, with many buying them for the distinctive art. Fans will be able to view the next student creation when Middlesbrough play at home against Wolves at the Riverside, a match listed on the club's fixtures page. The present standings indicate the team is well-placed as this season with a community emphasis goes on. The Northern School of Art has shared its satisfaction with the collaboration, saying it offers an exceptional practical opportunity for its illustration students to connect with a wide audience.
More detail at The Northern Echo
