About Us

Global Sports Collectibles was founded by Graeme Stokes, a lifelong football enthusiast whose passion for the game began in 1984 when he attended his first top flight English football match. From that moment, his love for football was matched by a growing interest in collecting a hobby that evolved over the decades into a deep commitment to the world of high end sports cards and memorabilia.

In March 2025, Graeme made headlines by selling the match ball from the game in which Wayne Rooney scored his first ever professional goal  a historic piece that delivered a fivefold return on investment. This landmark moment inspired him to launch Global Sports Collectibles, with the aim of creating a trusted brand for collectors around the world.

Graeme is also the co-founder of the Brighton Sports Cards & Memorabilia Show, which he runs alongside his close friend and fellow collector, Kevin Hawthorne – affectionately known in the community as “Uncle Fora.”

The vision for Global Sports Collectibles is clear to open a dedicated shop in Brighton in the near future, offering an expertly curated selection of cards and memorabilia for collectors, investors, and fans alike.