New book and exhibition on the history of local football

A new exhibition on the history of football on the Rock has opened at the John Mackintosh Hall. Displaying numerous photographs of Gibraltar footballers over many generations, it has been put together by Charles Cumbo.

At the opening a book entitled “Origins and Growth of Gibraltar Football” written by Mr Cumbo was also launched.

The Minister for Sport, Steven Linares, inaugurating the exhibition and launching the book described it as a great pleasure “not only because of what it represents, the history of football, but because it reflects how football has advanced as well.”

“It’s like the story in pictures,” he added.

Mr Linares then went on to praise Mr Cumbo describing him as “an advocate of football”.

His work, he said, showed that “somebody has a passion for football, or any sport, they will continue to be involved in sport.”

The exhibition opening saw many of Gibraltar’s football veterans, including former national team coaches such as Adolfo Ramirez, along with his son, former national player Colin Ramirez and national goalkeeping legend Richard Bear among a list of many football’s better known faces in Gibraltar.