Journal

A writer’s complicated relationship with the pantomime, myth (and correct pronunciation) of the Hammers. Words by Sam Diss.

On the soft sands of Ipanema, Rio, under the gaze of the Two Brothers mountain, a game plays out that is as much ritual as it is sport. The ball rarely touches the ground. It moves between bare chests, toes, shoulders and thighs with effortless grace. This is Altinha.

We joined east London’s buzziest grassroots team for a kickabout - and talked community, kits, and the Euros.

Since 2021, @maccalaaa has hosted a Saturday morning radio show on NTS called One Glove (a five-a-side reference, no doubt), taking a loyal group of fans and listeners on a musical journey from jazz, soul, balearic to hip-hop, house and far further off the beaten path of beats. 

Konrad Kay is best known for creating one of the best loved shows on TV: Industry. He’s also a diehard Liverpool fan. For our latest Why I Support he describes the transcendental nature of celebrating a very important goal (Southampton away).

Photographer Eoghan Gilmore invites us to the French capital for a kickabout (and the best poulet frites in the city).