It would seem that the trend for collecting football cards or sports cards, that started somewhere around the fifties, never really went out of fashion.
Today there are many more avid collectors than anyone could imagine and it does not look like this trend is going to end any time soon.
Of course, those who remember collecting when they were kids will have great stories about that elusive piece, carrying the photo of some great hero in the baseball world, being worth thousands of dollars.
These still exist today but naturally, since people are much more aware of the value of these items, it is rare to find a bargain in the market.
Online shops cater for all the main sporting activities and many people will start collecting rookie images to save for the future.
All it takes is for that particular sportsman to do something extraordinary and his image will become more valuable overnight.
Of course, saying that it will happen overnight is a little bit of a stretch, but certainly in future this rookie will become more and more valuable as long as it is kept in pristine condition.
Because these images are sometimes given out free with other items, they tend to be thrown away as not having any value.
But this is exactly what gives them value in future.
As they get thrown away, the ones left behind become rarer and therefore more valuable.
So it is well worth holding on to five or ten duplicates of a promising player for the 'just in case' eventualities.
Collecting is also a great social network with avid collectors contacting each other online and comparing prices and different sporting images etc.
This network is also a great place to find out any information on new shops or outlets, particularly those online.
Blogs, and other kinds of social networking sites.
are often a mine of information for those who are starting out in this very interesting hobby.
Mistakes can be made where valuations are concerned and the best way to look at it is; what value does this item hold for the collector? If he really must have it then he will be willing to pay more than the average rate.
For those who are on a tight budget, several items can be swapped for that one piece, but it will be worth it because it may just complete the collection.
For those who like to go to real shops, there are many in this niche market in most towns.
But for those who want to do it the modern way, then the internet has everything for the collector and more.
These items also make great birthday and Christmas presents and can be given at other times too.
Perhaps the child or adult has done particularly well in an exam, or a traumatic event was handled with some style.
Whatever the event is, the collector will always welcome any addition to that ever growing collection.
If it is a rare piece, all the better!