Following your local team can be an enthralling pastime.
When my six-year-old son started going to football practice last year I was saddened -- but not at all surprised -- that most of his fellow players were wearing outfits from the UK’s top clubs.
There were Manchester United strips, Chelsea away tops and brand new Liverpool kits everywhere, and all at a venue more than 80 miles from any of the seasoned favourites.
Of course there's nothing wrong with following a top side. But supporting a football club can be about so much more than buying their expensive shirts, occasionally watching them on television and bragging about who they have beaten this week. Supporting a more local club can bring a great deal of joy - and sorrow.
Get to a game
With your local team, you get more actual opportunity to go and watch a match. I wonder how many of the children in snazzy strips have actually been near a football ground.
You couldn't blame them if that was the case. Football has not enjoyed a great reputation among families.
I've never been encouraged to take my son to a game, so that's exactly why I'd like to suggest it now to you. We love going to the football and hope you can too.
Clubs are more family orientated
Now supported and encouraged by great work at The Football League, many clubs have made great strides in improving their match day experience for families.
Focus has been given to making attending matches affordable for families, with many clubs now admitting children for free with an accompanying adult. Keeping children safe and providing a family-friendly environment is a serious matter for all clubs.
All these areas are covered by the League’s Family Excellence Award scheme. Winners are considered for the prestigious Family Club of the Year award.
I was lucky enough to join the judging panel for this year’s award, and got to see first hand the great and innovative work of these clubs up and down the country.
New fans
It was striking how many families were pleasantly surprised on their first visit to a club.
Family stands are very friendly places, and children can strike up instant friendships. Clubs are engaging with children in all sorts of ways, and providing facilities specifically aimed at families.
You may have seen your local club try to entice you to visit them. Why not go and check out what deals and experiences they have to offer?
If you don't know who your local team is you can find them in the Football League's club directory.
One Macclesfield Town fan took matters into his own hands, and tried to convince his Manchester United supporting friend to give them up and support their local club.
Like many sceptics he found that actually going to a game is great fun, regardless of who the team is you're watching.
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28 March, 2011
Our 6 year old son goes to both Blackpool and Preston games as we are a divided household. It's never cost a penny for him to get in.(Not counting the amount of pies and drinks he's had!) And he has a season ticket at Blackpool! He loves it.
Never taken our 4yo but we are taking them to an England U21 match tonight. I may have to pay for one of them to go but I have 3 complimentary tickets as 6yo is going to be on the pitch at Deepdale at half time as he takes part in the the FA's Skills programme.
Football teams are waking up to the fact that if they get children in when they are young, they're cultivating their future fanbase. In the times we're in, it could mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy for some smaller clubs.
Great post.
editor
28 March, 2011
Yay Kate thanks for commenting, you have reminded me of cups of Oxo, do they still sell that? My dad used to be a football player (Shrewsbury Town - the big time!) and I went a lot when I was little, then to various non-league sides as my dad was involved there. My girls don't go as I think of a quite big club (Wolves) as our nearest but reading Ian's post well I'm sure it must be Walsall...They have chosen other pursuits on a Saturday, I do sometimes think they are missing out. Even their nan is a Wolves fan. (Sorry Ian.)
dad
28 March, 2011
Hi Kate, you are right. Clubs are starting to recognise that they have a product, and that it should appeal to families. Especially with the future in mind.
Linda I think I mentioned Wolves are a very progressive club when it comes to families. They are a previous winner of The Family Club of the Year award. And they don't have to go every week, and as it happens with Wolves in the top flight often their games will be on alternate days from Saturdays. Keep your eye out.
mum
28 March, 2011
My son stands out amongst the Chelsea and Liverpool strips at football practice in his orange and green! He proudly stays loyal to Plymouth Argyle - despite their current difficulties - because he was born there and feels a bond. Despite, also, his father's insistence when he was younger that he join in his own allegiance to Stoke City! We've taken both sons to matches at Woking, Reading and Plymouth. It's just the swear words they query & chants they pick up that bother us!!!
28 March, 2011
Not sure about Oxo, but I've definitely seen Bovril being drunk at Deepdale. I'm gutted they don't still do butter pies. (Yes, I did just say butter pies, they are wonderful but they only make them in the Preston area). They even do Chicken Balti pies these day which I thought was more a Midlands thing.
I've somewhat digressed onto food, haven't I?! I'll shut up now, particularly as we're off to Deepdale in a bit. North End very kindly came up with an extra free ticket for the 4yo. What nice people!
admin
28 March, 2011
It's lovely that football is still a family event for so many, but I'm sure the cost of tickets for adults prevents many parents taking their children to games, even if the child's ticket is free.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ian, definately not a dying tradition it seems!
Leigh
Ready for Ten Team
dad
28 March, 2011
That's great stuff Jo, and while I won't pretend that swearing doesn't go on at football matches, the family stands are often strategically placed and stewarded with zero tolerance.
Enjoy Deepdale Kate, and your Balti pies!
Hi Leigh, prices are becoming increasingly important, and keen at many clubs. But say even if an adult ticket is say 20, and everyone enjoys themselves for two hours or so, that could be considered at worst reasonable.
30 March, 2011
Hi, this is really interesting. I don't know how Ready For Ten keep managing to pick topics which are really relevant to me - its amazing! My three and a half year old really wants to go to see Manchester City with his dad. We are trying to decide how old he should be before he goes. My other half said that if he needed the loo at half time it would be a nightmare as the toilets are always packed out and he's not sure what the family facilities would be. He's also a little upset at having to give up the fantastic seat that he's had for 15 years to go into the family part. It would be great for some dad/lad bonding time. On the other side of things - I can't wait to have a whole Saturday to myself - bring it on!
dad
30 March, 2011
Hi Kim, would be interesting to see what Man City advise. Obviously having such big crowds the issues you raise come up. I wonder if the facilities are different in the family designated part of the ground. I took my son to Walsall on his third birthday (maybe even his second, I really should remember vividly!) but only as a one off. He enjoyed it, but it didn't become part of his routine.