The English Game: A Journey of Discovery in the Home of Football

There's something deeply poetic about an Italian teenager landing in England with nothing but a one-way ticket and an obsession with football. In "The English Game: A Journey of Discovery in the Home of Football," Ivan Ambrosio transforms that seemingly reckless leap of faith into a remarkable chronicle of both personal growth and footballing heritage.
This isn't just another book about English football - it's a love letter to the game's soul, written by an outsider who became an insider. Through 52 meticulously crafted stories, Ambrosio takes readers on a journey that stretches far beyond the familiar confines of Premier League glamour, diving into the heart of English football's grassroots culture.
What sets this book apart is Ambrosio's gift for finding extraordinary stories in ordinary places. His account of playing for Upton Park FC against the Royal Engineers reads like a time-traveling adventure, while his exploration of the Isles of Scilly League - the world's smallest football league - captures the kind of quirky charm that makes English football unique. These aren't just stadium visits; they're pilgrimages to the sport's sacred grounds.
The author's perspective as both participant and observer gives the narrative a refreshing authenticity. When he describes awarding the victory trophy to Sheffield FC after their match against Hallam FC, you can feel the weight of history in his hands - these are, after all, the world's two oldest football clubs. Through encounters with characters like Morgan, the lifelong Fulham supporter who witnessed legends like Pelé and George Best grace Craven Cottage, Ambrosio weaves individual memories into the larger tapestry of football history.
But perhaps the book's greatest achievement is how it mirrors Ambrosio's own transformation. The wide-eyed 19-year-old who arrived with nothing gradually evolves into a qualified coach and astute chronicler of English football culture. His journey from visiting his first English stadium to completing a tour of over 320 grounds becomes a metaphor for personal growth and cultural integration.
The writing style is refreshingly unpretentious, mixing the enthusiasm of a fan with the insight of a historian. Ambrosio's Italian perspective allows him to see things that might be invisible to native English eyes, while his immersion in the culture gives him the authority to interpret what he sees.
Some readers might find the book's structure - 52 separate stories - occasionally disjointed. However, this format ultimately works in the book's favor, allowing readers to dip in and out while maintaining the broader narrative of Ambrosio's personal journey.
"The English Game" is more than a sports book - it's a reminder that football's true magic often lies far from the spotlight of Super Sundays and Champions League nights. From the historic Sandygate ground to the wind-swept pitches of the Scilly Isles, Ambrosio shows us that every football ground has a story worth telling, and every true fan has a voice worth hearing.
For anyone who believes football is more than just a game, this book is an essential addition to their library. It's a testament to how the beautiful game can shape lives, bridge cultures, and create connections that transcend the pitch. Ambrosio's journey from Italian dreamer to English football chronicler isn't just inspiring - it's a reminder that sometimes the best stories in football are written by those who dare to follow their passion, no matter where it leads.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You Last Week, May 2025 
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Published: May 19, 2025
Price: £14.99
Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801416
ISBN-13: 978-1836801412
Dimensions: 154 x 236 (mm)