Player Profile: Ernst Kuzorra

Ernst Kuzorra played for Schalke04 for his entire career. He led his team to six national championships and one national cup, 1934-1942. By many he is regarded as the greatest Schalke player of all time.

Kuzorra made an early debut in 1919 and played his last game in 1950. As many teammates Kuzorra also worked in the mines of the Ruhr area, which was also where Schalke got their nickname from “Die Knapern”, like the young miners were called. Among them was his main partner Fritz Szepan, they also came to be brothers-in-law when they married sisters. During the 1920’s Kuzorra success began to grow and he made his national team debut in 1927, although after falling out with national manager Otto Nerz, his national caps came to mere 12.

However as a Striker he was the key player in the trademark Schalke Kreisel, a game style with quick short passing. Kuzorra became a living legend after his career as both player, manager and president for Schalke 04. His record of six national championship wins wasn’t broken until 1990 when Klaus Augenthaler won his seventh in 1990.

Ernst Kuzorra died on New Year’s day in 1990, aged 84. The Schalke04 Museum holds many object related to Ernst Kuzorra, among them: his personal photo album.

Hartman Donates Record-Setting Gloves

Today we learn from the National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum in the U.S that goalkeeper Kevin Hartman of Kansas City Wizards has donated his record-setting gloves and jersey after setting a record in the MLS with 1137 saves.

Hartman presented Hall of Fame Director of Museum and Archives Jack Huckel his game-worn jersey and gloves from the record setting match following the Sunday, April 5 Wizards’ shutout victory over San Jose, where Hartman extended his own record for career shutouts to a higher level. "I am excited that the Hall of Fame will place this jersey and these gloves on display,” Hartman said. “Every player dreams of being in the Hall of Fame. I don’t know if I’ll get elected, but a piece of my history is there and that’s very special to me. I look forward to visiting Oneonta in the future and seeing all the displays at the Museum.”

Hartman’s jersey and gloves will go on exhibition in the Hall of Fame MLS Display during the month of April.

Museum Boots I: Marante

These Boots belonged to the Argentinian defender José Manuel Marante (1915-1993) who played for Boca juniors between 1934 and 1950. He won 4 league titles (1934, 1940, 1943 & 1944) and the Copa America with Argentina in 1946 and 1947.
The Boots are on display in the Boca Juniors Museum in Buenos Aires, El Museo de la Pasión Boquense

Opening of South American Football Museum

On Januray 29th the CONMEBOL (Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol) inaugurated the South American Football Museum, located in Luque, Paraguay by the CONMEBOL headquartes. Among the dignitaries were CONMEBOL President Nicolás Leoz and vice-president Eugenio Figueredo, together with FIFA President, Joseph Blatter, former FIFA-president, Joao Havelange and the Vice-president of the Republic of Paraguay in exercise of the presidency, Dr. Federico Franco.

"The greatness of this museum demonstrates CONMEBOL's value to South American football and is an example for the world. All the associations must be thanked for their contribution to this building," said Havelange.

The 1.500 square meter museum, spreads in two levels, united by a wide ramp of audiovisual and interactive content that ends in a large 360 degree auditorium shaped like a giant football, in which a movie about the origin of football, its arrival and evolution in South America. In the different panels, the whole history of South American football is exhibited with spectacular photos, videos, jerseys and historical objects.

Read more here on CONMEBOL's homepage and here on FIFA.com

Debate in Bradford Museum

The Bradford City FC Museum - Bantamspast - hosted a lively debate the other week about the city's new sports venue Odsal Sports Village. The event attracted many interested visitors. The Odsal Sports Village foremost affect the rugby team Bradford Bulls but Bradford City FC might be forced to move from their home stadium Valley Parade, due to financial reasons. Dave Baldwin, Bradford City’s chief executive, stated that if the rent isn't reduced or a scheme to buy the stadium can be arranged, Bradford City FC has to seriously consider moving their home games to Odsal. Although fans are reluctant to move from Valley Parade (where the club museum it placed), it will surely come down to economics. Bradford City FC is chasing promotion in League Two at the moment. For more information, click here (Bantamspast homepage)