Offside - Football in the city

Three anniversaries provided the impetus for this exhibition at STAM (in collaboration with KAA Gent Foundation): 150 years of football in Ghent, 125 years of KAA Gent (in 2025) and Racing Gent (in 2024), and 100 years of women's football in this city.

The interactive exhibition ‘Offside – Football in the city’ is an excursion into that history. From the initial kickabout on a playground in Melle and the very first women’s teams to the Buffalo’s iconic championship celebrations in 2015 and other milestones in KAA Gent’s 125-year history.

Supporter or not, football awakens something in us all, as ‘Offside’ illustrates. Discover the childhood dreams of top footballer Kevin De Bruyne, whose talent was first spotted as a young boy in Drongen. Meet lesser-known heroes, too, like Sidonie Verschueren, a Red Flame forerunner.

Immerse yourself in the world of hundreds of local teams, many of which no longer exist. Marvel at the infectious energy of supporters, the strength of fans’ loyalty to their club, the search for playing fields in the city and the impact of initiatives like the KAA Gent Foundation. Then go on to consider the dynamics outside the game itself and draw your own conclusions about such issues as violence, racism, health, money, etc.

And on ‘Offside’s’ excursion past leather footballs, original shirts, personal memories, evocative team photos, video clips and football art, there are lots of opportunities for everyone, young and old, to put their own skills to the test. While keeping things playful, of course!