Every Sunday a small army of amateur footballers, often hung-over and smoking cigarettes, descend on Hackney Marshes, East London for a game of beloved "footie." Known as the "spiritual home of amateur football"this is where David Beckham first played)the marshes consist of some eighty pitches where more than fifty matches are played each week from September until April. Photographer Chris Baker, a keen amateur footballer himself, has spent the past three seasons documenting this ritual of sports camaraderie.
Players turn up late, discussing last night’s antics or conquests, before playing and shouting at the ref and then eating oranges at half time. There are occasional brawls, many laughs, and very occasionally some good football before post-match pints are followed by a return home to the missus. This is Sunday League football at its best. Baker’s photographs are coupled with a selection of quotes and stories from the players that are often hilarious and always revealing.
Chris Baker is documentary and portrait photographer from London with a long interest in the amateur game. After one too many injuries he decided to get on the safe side of the pitch and document his favorite sport from the sidelines.
