"How Football Shirts Explain the World"

"How football shirts explain the world"
With Joey D'Urso

Football is the world's most popular sport, and shirts worn by teams and supporters are its greatest means of cultural expression. But football shirts are much more than just a symbol of which club we support. A seemingly innocuous combination of colours, sponsor logos and materials can all reflect the social values, financial struggles and political ideologies of the day, as geopolitical issues increasingly seep into every aspect of the game.

For his book More Than A Shirt, investigative journalist Joey D'Urso travelled across the globe, combining on-the-ground reporting with unparalleled analysis to collate a list of the twenty-two football shirts that best explain the modern world.  More Than A Shirt takes fans on a journey from Birmingham to Belgrade and onto Medellin and Mumbai, outlining how we can see the war in Ukraine in the shirt of Schalke in Germany or China's foreign policy in West Bromwich Albion’s, how the shirts of state-owned clubs are used for sportswashing, and why the French national kit embodies worldwide migration patterns.



Bio

Joey D'Urso is a journalist and author specialising in football and politics who has worked for The Times, The Athletic and BBC News. His first book MORE THAN A SHIRT was named a Guardian and Waterstones sports book of 2025.

Venue:
Camden Town Brewery Beer Hall
Kentish Town
NW5 3ED

15 minute walk from Camden Town tube station (Northern line) and 10 minutes from Kentish Town station (Northern line). 1 minute from Kentish Town West (Mildmay line).

Earlier Lecture Running Time:
Doors: 5:30pm
Introduction 6pm
Lecture 6:05pm
Q&A 6:45pm
Finish 7:05pm

Later Lecture Running Time:
Doors: 7:05pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm
Finish: 8:30pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.