Former martial artist throws his weight behind new sports memorabilia shop in Belfast
Opening store a dream come true for two-time European bronze medallist Carl Spiller
Carl in his shop (Picture by Peter Morrison)
Carl Spiller outside his new shop (Picture by Peter Morrison)
A boxing glove worn by Conor Benn Pic by Peter Morrison
Some of the Liverpool pieces in Carl's shop (Picture by Peter Morrison)
An athlete has used his sporting knowledge and contacts to open a memorabilia store in Belfast.
Two-time European Karate Championship bronze medallist Carl Spiller (31) said launching Fiber Sports Memorabilia was a dream come true.
“It’s a passion of mine,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“I have always loved collecting sports memorabilia and have bought lots of pieces over the years.
“A few years ago, I realised that I had far too much and I had to sell some.
“I came to realise there are a lot of people out there who also love it when I saw the smiles on buyers’ faces.
“There’s a big market for it, especially in Northern Ireland.”
Carl Spiller outside his new shop (Picture by Peter Morrison)
Mr Spiller initially launched the business online before progressing to a bricks-and-mortar store that opened on Orby Drive in east Belfast on Monday.
The products on offer range in price from £5 to £1,399.
The most expensive item currently on the shelves is a signed painting of former Liverpool player Roberto Firmino.
The centre-forward scored 111 goals during his eight years at Anfield before departing for the Saudi club Al-Ahli last year.
If that is too expensive, customers can also get their hands on framed Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher shirts from the 2022 FA Cup and League Cup finals.
The jerseys, which come with a certificate of authenticity, cost £649.99 each.
A boxing glove worn by Conor Benn Pic by Peter Morrison
There is also plenty of Carl Frampton memorabilia available, including signed gloves, a belt and shorts.
“His merchandise is quite popular in Northern Ireland,” said Mr Spiller.
“He’s hopefully as popular in the shop as he is online.”
The businessman, a former semi-professional footballer from England who played for Henley Town FC, said he was motivated by a desire to preserve the legacy of sport’s greatest figures.
He teamed up with industry expert Saad Wadia to create his memorabilia company.
Their goal is to provide fans with unparalleled access to cherished sporting memories and offer them a gateway to own a piece of history that “ignites the imagination”.
Following the successful launch of the store, Mr Spiller hopes to expand the range.
Some of the Liverpool pieces in Carl's shop (Picture by Peter Morrison)
“Because of my background, I have a lot of access to big sporting events and we are able to get the signatures direct,” he said.
“Up until now, it has been mainly Liverpool FC and boxing-themed.
“But I want to branch that out and even expand into other sports, including rugby.
“The launch went really well and I’m very optimistic.”
The company hopes to open additional locations in the coming weeks.
Mr Spiller said the store had caught the attention of Northern Ireland footballing greats, including Gerry Armstrong.
He added: “We’ll do something more official soon.
“Keith Gillespie has also indicated he is interested.
“They have both been very supportive”.
Join the Belfast Telegraph WhatsApp channel
Stay up to date with some of Northern Ireland's biggest stories
