Sport has always been a part of the fabric of Birmingham and the West Midlands.

This is a place where some of the world’s most popular games found their beginnings, where football history was written, and where generations of athletes have gone on to compete on the biggest stages. From the first organised football league to hosting major international events today, the region’s sporting story is one that continues to evolve.
 

A Region of Sporting Pioneers

The West Midlands has produced athletes and sporting figures who have helped shape the future of sport, both on and off the pitch.

In the late 1970s, Laurie Cunningham, Brendon Batson and Cyrille Regis became the first Black trio to establish themselves together in England's top flight for West Bromwich Albion. At a time when racism was widespread in football and players were regularly subjected to abuse from the stands, they challenged prejudice through their performances, resilience and success on the pitch. Their impact helped break down barriers for Black footballers and inspired generations of players who followed.

The region has also played an important role in the growth of women’s sport. Solihull-born Karen Carney MBE became one of England’s most decorated footballers, while Baroness Karren Brady has been one of the game's most influential leaders.

Away from football, the West Midlands has produced some of Britain’s most successful Paralympians. Walsall’s Ellie Simmonds won her first Paralympic gold medal at just 13 years old, before becoming one of the most recognisable names in British sport. Coventry’s Kare Adenegan has also enjoyed remarkable success, winning multiple Paralympic medals and establishing herself among Britain's leading wheelchair racers.

Where Football History Was Made

The West Midlands is home to five of the world’s oldest professional football clubs: Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion and Walsall. But its influence stretches far beyond historic clubs.

In 1888, Aston Villa director William McGregor helped create the Football League after proposing a structured competition between clubs. That idea changed football forever, laying the foundations for the league system that exists around the world today.

The region also helped shape European football. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ famous match against Hungarian champions Honvéd in 1954 captured global attention and is widely credited with helping to inspire the creation of the European Cup, now known as the UEFA Champions League.

The Birthplace of More Than One Game

Rugby in Warwickshire gave the world one of its most popular sports. According to sporting legend, it was here in 1823 that Rugby School pupil William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a game of football and ran with it. Whether fact or folklore, the story has become part of rugby's identity and marks Rugby as the birthplace of the game, which later evolved into Rugby Union and Rugby League and also influenced the development of American football.

Birmingham also has a claim to sporting history through lawn tennis. More than 150 years ago, Major Harry Gem and Augurio Perera developed an early form of the game in Edgbaston, helping to lay the foundations of modern tennis. Today, the city continues that connection by hosting the annual grass-court tournament at Edgbaston Priory Club, an important stop on the road to Wimbledon.

A City Built for Major Sporting Moments

In 2022, the city welcomed athletes from across the Commonwealth for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. It was a summer that showcased world-class sport at venues across the region, from athletics at Alexander Stadium to swimming at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, leaving a lasting legacy for communities and future events.

That legacy continues in 2026, when Birmingham hosts the European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium from 10-16 August. The event will bring some of Europe’s best athletes to the city for a week of elite competition - and marks the first time the championships have been held in the UK.

Looking ahead, Birmingham will once again take centre stage in 2027 as host city for the Invictus Games, welcoming competitors from around the world and celebrating the achievements and resilience of wounded, injured and sick service personnel.

Home to World-Class Cricket

No sporting story about Birmingham would be complete without mentioning Edgbaston Stadium.

Home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club and its T20 side Birmingham Bears, the ground has become one of the world's most iconic cricket venues, regularly hosting international Test matches, One Day Internationals and T20 fixtures alongside the domestic season. Its electric atmosphere has made it a favourite with players and supporters alike, particularly during England internationals and the annual Vitality Blast.

Edgbaston has staged some of cricket's biggest occasions, including matches during the 1999 and 2019 ICC Cricket World Cups, the ICC Champions Trophy and the cricket competition at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Today, it continues to welcome the game's biggest stars to Birmingham, cementing the city's reputation as one of the UK's great sporting destinations.

From the West Midlands to the World Cup

Stourbridge's Jude Bellingham and Halesowen's Morgan Rogers are both part of Thomas Tuchel's England squad, representing the West Midlands on football's biggest stage. Bellingham has once again been at the heart of England's campaign, scoring twice in the Round of 16 victory over Mexico to help send the Three Lions into the quarter-finals.

Now, all eyes turn to Saturday's quarter-final against Norway, with kick-off at 10pm (BST). A place in the World Cup semi-finals is at stake, and for football fans across Birmingham and the West Midlands, there'll be even more reason to get behind England knowing two homegrown talents are part of the squad.

It's another reminder that the region's football story is still being written. From helping establish the Football League more than a century ago to producing players performing on the world's biggest stage today, Birmingham and the West Midlands remain at the heart of English football.

From historic sporting landmarks to major events and matchday experiences, discover more ways to explore sport across Birmingham and the West Midlands.