Jack Whyte, a football card collector from Herne Bay, Kent, has transformed his passion into a full-time job, amassing over 160,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. His journey began in 2006 during the World Cup, when the excitement of seeing football cards on his kitchen table sparked a lifelong hobby.
“I first started collecting cards in 2006 when the World Cup was on,” Jack recalls. “It was the buzz of seeing them on my kitchen table, and from there, I’ve just kept going.” His hobby took a significant turn when he began sharing his collection on YouTube. “I then started doing it on YouTube, but when I was at university, the numbers went crazy, and it kicked on from there,” he explains.
Jack’s YouTube channel, GBW, has become a popular destination for football card enthusiasts. The thrill of opening packs and the unpredictability of what each pack might contain is a significant draw for his audience. “The joy of opening packs on my GBW channel is great,” Jack says. “It is an affordable way to have fun; you never know what you are going to get.”
A devoted Queens Park Rangers (QPR) fan, Jack has a particular fondness for collecting cards of former QPR midfielder Eberechi Eze, who now plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League and is part of England’s Euro 2024 squad. Among his prized possessions is the only variation of a Charlie Austin card, another former QPR player. “I’ve got cards in my collection that range from £1 to £1,000, and there is quite literally a little bit of everything in it,” Jack shares.
Jack’s collection isn’t limited to football cards. He also owns cards of former ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley and even some Toy Story cards. Despite the extensive and varied nature of his collection, Jack remains humble. “I’m just a normal guy,” he says. “When I go on tours and do meets, it’s weird that people ask for a picture or an autograph. It’s very surreal.”
Jack’s passion for football extends beyond his card collection. He has attended the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany and plans to return for the latter stages. He is optimistic about Spain’s chances, predicting they will go all the way and win the trophy.
Jack’s story is a testament to how a simple hobby can evolve into a successful career, thanks to the power of social media and a dedicated community of followers. His journey from a young boy collecting cards at his kitchen table to a YouTube sensation with over 160,000 subscribers is inspiring. It shows that with passion and dedication, it’s possible to turn a beloved pastime into a fulfilling profession.
Source: BBC News
