From Wimbledon to Wembley: Edwards Sports' World Cup Winning Nets

Our sporting heritage here at Edwards Sports spans well over a century, embedded throughout some of the most notable British sporting events — the '66 FIFA World Cup, no less.

Sir Geoff Hurst scored his famous hat-trick against West Germany into the back of our very own Bridport-made football goal nets.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, BBC News took a dive into our long past, bringing our unique history to light.

A Connection to Wimbledon to Secure the '66 Gig

Using a method dating back to the early 13th century, we have been handcrafting our nets since 1884, when, back then, we were known as William Edwards & Son.

A few years later, in 1887, the first Wimbledon tennis tournament was held, and we were selected to provide the nets.

We've been doing so ever since.

Discover Our Range of Tennis Nets Here

The reputation of supplying the nets for England's most prestigious sporting event ensured our services when Wembley Stadium was built in 1923.

For the first-ever match played on the ground, and for the games that followed, our nets were used between the goal posts.

When 1953 rolled around, our nets were even used for the FA Cup final, showing our ongoing and happy relationship with both Wembley and the FA.

Find Our Selection of Football Goal Nets Here

Then, when England was chosen to host the FIFA World Cup, we were invited by the organisation to provide the nets for the tournament, forever embedded in English footballing history.

The Nets Behind England's Famous Football Triumph

Drawing 2-2 in the 90th minute, England and West Germany were sent into extra time, giving Geoff Hurst enough time to put two goals into the back of Edwards Sports' nets, securing a 4-2 win against the visitors.

Made in Bridport, over 145 miles away from Wembley Stadium, our football goal nets were the top choice for the job.

Rooted in traditional rope-making practices, we are the one and only company to make and supply nets for an England-winning World Cup Final.

This then secured an invite for two of our representatives to watch the national team lift the trophy and personally congratulate Sir Bobby Moore and Sir Alf Ramsey on their victory.

Continuing a Proud Tradition

Fast forward to today, Edwards Sports is still using traditional ropemaking methods combined with modern manufacturing to create and supply nets to top clubs, facilities, schools, and more across the UK.

We haven't just stopped at football and tennis either. We are also the proud makers and suppliers of the latest favourite, padel, as well as cricket, golf, basketball, netball, and more.

With over 130 years in the business, we are still the proud suppliers of Wimbledon tennis nets. We only hope that we're doing the same thing in the next 130 years.

For more information about our history, find the details here.

If you want to discover the other stadiums and tournaments we've supplied for (including the London 2012 Summer Olympics), head to our case studies page.

Read the Full Story

To read the full feature on BBC News, follow the link below, and learn more about our involvement with the 1966 FIFA World Cup and the history of football nets.

Read the Full BBC News Feature Here