Harry Kane exhibition aims to spur children on to success

Harry Kane celebrates after scoring on his debut against Lithuania in March 2015. His shirt from the game will be part of the exhibition. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images

Never-before-seen family photos, personal items and sporting memorabilia highlighting the England captain Harry Kane’s journey from grassroots football to professional player are to go on display at the Museum of London, with the hope of inspiring young people.

The exhibition will celebrate Kane, who grew up in east London just a few miles from Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium in north London.

Kane playing for Leyton Orient in 2011. Photograph: Action Images

Zeynep Kuşsan, the curator of Harry Kane: I Want to Play Football, said: “We wanted to celebrate Harry’s story and document his career but also take the grassroots element of his journey through football and bring it to the exhibition. I want children to feel inspired and no matter how difficult it can get to achieve their dreams, it is possible for them to get to where they want to be.”

The exhibition will open on Saturday 21 May and runs until December 2022, with free entry.

Kuşsan said Kane’s story was inspirational: “He’s a local Londoner, born in Leytonstone and raised in Chingford and all through grassroots clubs – there is this message of hope within the exhibition.”

The exhibition, which Kane’s family worked closely with the curator, will document his enthusiasm for football as a young boy, and then mark the start of his journey with his time at local youth clubs Ridgeway Rovers and Gladstone Rangers.

Items to go on display will include Kane’s shirts from England, Leyton Orient, Millwall and Tottenham Hotspur, the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot and Kane’s debut England shirt. As part of the display, visitors can listen to Kane’s pre-match playlist in the changing room space. Throughout the exhibition, Kane’s voice is heard through speakers documenting his career and sharing his inspirations.

Kane said: “The Museum of London got in touch and wanted a Londoner to inspire young children to be their best so I am delighted to have all my memorabilia on show which haven’t been seen publicly before. I’ve got three kids now so I know how important it is to inspire the younger generation and help them understand how far you can go with hard work, dedication and self-belief.”