A campaign is underway to save the original Hampden Park site, the historic first home of Queen's Park FC and the birthplace of Scotland's national football team. The location, known as First Hampden, has been put on the market for lease, prompting a community-led effort to secure its future as a public space celebrating the sport's origins.

The historic ground

First Hampden, situated about half a mile from the modern national stadium in south Glasgow, hosted Scotland's first international match in 1878. It is widely considered the world's first purpose-built international football stadium. Before becoming the national ground, it was the home of Queen's Park, the club credited with pioneering the passing style of play that spread globally. A key generation of Queen's Park players, nicknamed the 'Scotch professors', exported this style around the world, including to Brazil.

Archaeological work uncovered remains of the original pavilion, which were later designated a national monument. This protected section now forms a small public park. The area currently for rent, comprising a former bowling club building and lawn on the other side of a fence, is not covered by this protection.

The campaign's vision

Calum Cameron, a founding member of the First Hampden community interest company, is leading the push. "We want to see it become a multifunctional community space," Cameron said. The campaign argues the site is about more than sport, addressing a need for affordable, accessible public spaces in Glasgow. Many people have signed up online to support the project.

Graeme Brown, engagement director for the Football's Square Mile heritage project, proved the site's existence through archival maps. He called First Hampden "arguably the world's most important football heritage site." The location is one of several historic footballing sites curated into the Football's Square Mile initiative.

The road ahead

Previous attempts by the community group to acquire the site, including a request for a community asset transfer, were rejected by City Property Glasgow, an arm's-length company owned by the council. A spokesperson for the company said they are obliged to obtain commercially reasonable terms and that the site is considered to have income-generating potential. They stated there is no intention to sell for redevelopment and that bids will be assessed on individual merits, including community benefits and heritage considerations.

The First Hampden CIC is now exploring other options, including a full feasibility study, and is submitting an official bid through the formal lease process. No closing date has been set for the marketing of the former Hampden Bowling Club, advertised as an 'exciting leisure opportunity'.

This fight for heritage comes as the modern Queen's Park side faces its own challenges on the pitch. The Spiders currently sit near the bottom of the Scottish Championship, having lost several of their recent matches. They host Inverness Caledonian Thistle this weekend, looking to improve their record.

First reported at theguardian.com