For many, June will mean strawberries at Wimbledon and the sound of leather on willow at Lords. But this year, of course, we also have the football World Cup in Germany.

Given the nation's interest in sport, it is not surprising that sporting memorabilia should also attract enthusiastic collectors.

Oxfordshire has a recognised expert in the shape of Manfred Schotten, who has a shop in Burford. But what led him to specialise in sporting antiques?

He said:"As an antiques dealer dealing in furniture but also being someone who enjoyed playing different sports, it all happened quite naturally.

"While searching for furniture and so on, I would come across the odd fishing reel, golf club or tennis racquet and so started collecting for the shop and created a little sporting corner which then became a sporting room' due to the growing demand. Eventually it took over the whole business!"

What are international collectors looking for?

"Golf, tennis, cricket and fishing are probably the most popular, but there is also a lot of interest in polo, skiing, curling and other sports.

"The top collectors are interested in rare items with some history behind them, but many collectors like the equipment and also collect novelty items such as ceramics or silver items toast racks, napkin rings, watches relating to their sport of interest.

"Art with a sporting theme is very popular, as this tells us a great deal about the history of each sport.. Then there is the decorative' market old skis, snowshoes and icepicks are ideal for decorating a chalet.

"There are also those who like to buy old riding crops or hunting flasks. There is nothing better than turning up at a shoot with an antique leather cartridge bag and cartridge magazine. Even old hickory-shafted golf clubs and old fishing reels are being sought after and used by enthusiasts."

What advice would you give to someone who wished to start a collection? Would that advice differ if the initial amount available to invest was limited to £500?

"Yes and no. You should always buy the best quality you can afford, and items you feel passionate about. Of course, not everyone can afford the things they are passionate about. Then you have to adapt and stick to items you can afford.

"£500 can go quite a long way if, let's say, you collect golf clubs. You can buy clubs at £20 or £30 each, or just one or two interesting clubs. Most people start out buying quantity and later have to weed out.

"That is fine, but sometimes it is difficult to do, so it pays to have some discipline."

Are there any books you would recommend for someone just starting a collection?

"Depending on the sport there are books on tennis cricket and golf, but probably not on skiing or curling. One we stock and can recommend is The Encyclopaedia of Golf Collectibles by John M Olman and Morton W Olman.

"There are also books on collections, or items that have been on the market in the past. You can, of course, gain a lot of knowledge by reading old books relating to your sport of interest. That is why many people just collect books."

Having decided what to hunt for, how and where would you advise starting and building up a collection?

"Find other collectors and dealers and seek as much advice as possible on how to go about purchasing items. Everybody has a different approach to this. Some ask a dealer to find the items they are looking for, and some like to do the hard work themselves and attend auctions, search in car boot sales and antiques markets. The important thing is to know what you really want to find, this will save you a lot of time and money. Many people begin by buying everything under the sun and later realise their mistake and then have the problem of disposing of the items.

The discovery of what item would make you, as a collector, start celebrating?

"After over 20 years of dealing in sporting antiques, I still get a buzz out of collecting.

I am offered an item, or go out searching for new finds, almost every day.

"Sometimes you will celebrate finding an item you have been pursuing for many years, or you come across an item you had no idea even existed!"