Taking my son to his first match.... (1 Viewer)

Skyblueweeman · Nov 19, 2024

So along with my stepdad, I'm taking my son to his first ever match, to the Cardiff game. He's just turned 6 so I hope his attention span holds out!

Question re:tickets - does he need a JSB membership so we can sit it the family zone? Is there a family zone? I've sat all over the ground previously and never had to worry about kids tickets so not sure on the best place to take him in the ground.

Obvs not singers corner but advice appreciated on best part of the ground for a 6yr old for his first game.

Ta

Nick · Nov 19, 2024

Ermm the Family Zone (Seats) might be sold out but anywhere around there is decent.

Take him to the Family Zone bits before the game if you can with all of the activities

Sky_Blue_Daz · Nov 19, 2024

Hope he enjoys it and sees us win

Skyblueweeman · Nov 19, 2024

Is the family zone still 31-32?

stupot07 · Nov 19, 2024

Take some really chewy sweets, like fruit gums or jelly tots, it will keep him quiet when he gets bored. Haribo doesn't last 5 mins .

Brighton Sky Blue · Nov 19, 2024

Hope he has a great time WM. Make sure he knows that despite what the kids in the playground or at CCFC games might say, you're never too young for your first pair of chinos.

Sbarcher · Nov 19, 2024

Get his pocket money on red in the casino. Could be a memorable day for him.

Skyblueweeman · Nov 19, 2024

Brighton Sky Blue said:
Hope he has a great time WM. Make sure he knows that despite what the kids in the playground or at CCFC games might say, you're never too young for your first pair of chinos.

Ha ha! I got him the black 3rd kid for his birthday last month and also just signed him up to after school football club, his first taste of it. He's had a couple of comments about the kit looking really cool - from other kids in Pompey kits!

I'll leave his burgeoning street cred as it is before taking him down the chinos route

The watchmaker · Nov 19, 2024

Skyblueweeman said:
So along with my stepdad, I'm taking my son to his first ever match, to the Cardiff game. He's just turned 6 so I hope his attention span holds out!

Question re:tickets - does he need a JSB membership so we can sit it the family zone? Is there a family zone? I've sat all over the ground previously and never had to worry about kids tickets so not sure on the best place to take him in the ground.

Obvs not singers corner but advice appreciated on best part of the ground for a 6yr old for his first game.

Ta

Err... I think the answer is still no but my 6 year old whined the whole game so I've not taken him back.

shepardo01 · Nov 19, 2024

Treat him to as much shit as you possibly can.
The game could be shite, so he needs something to make him want to go back!
I take my six year old up. He has been lucky though with a trip to Wembley, seeing some decent games last year and watching Vik and Gus prior.
One of his treats is chips and curry sauce before the game and his grandad brings him crisps and chocolate for half time!
If his attention span is not the best, try to time your entrance to the ground so he is not too bored before the game.
In the past when mine have been 4 and 6 going up, used to take some colouring for them too.
Both (6&8 now) are engrossed for the whole game.

The watchmaker · Nov 19, 2024

shepardo01 said:
Treat him to as much shit as you possibly can.
The game could be shite, so he needs something to make him want to go back!
I take my six year old up. He has been lucky though with a trip to Wembley, seeing some decent games last year and watching Vik and Gus prior.
One of his treats is chips and curry sauce before the game and his grandad brings him crisps and chocolate for half time!
If his attention span is not the best, try to time your entrance to the ground so he is not too bored before the game.
In the past when mine have been 4 and 6 going up, used to take some colouring for them too.
Both (6&8 now) are engrossed for the whole game.

Oddly enough my son hated it because it was noisy and people were cheering so... he might have preferred a sh!t game.

Somerset Sky Blue · Nov 19, 2024

I agree with shepherd about buying something - visit the club shop and treat him to a sky blue Sam? Food is a good one as well!
Make sure you build the excitement of walking up the stairs to the first view of the pitch - and get a photo of the smile.
If you can, get down to the front to wave at sky blue Sam.
Definitely arrive early to take part in activities (also missing the crush at the turnstiles).
Wrap up warm and enjoy!

Lamps · Nov 20, 2024

It all depends on the child.

One of my lads made his own words up to songs. The other held his hands over his ears. One told me to tell someone off for swearing. The other tried joining in with the swearing

I totally agree with planned entertainment for the kids just in case they don't enjoy it to start with. Took a Game Boy back in them days. Make sure they are going to be too warm if anything at this time of year. You can always take layers off. Nothing like a kid that wants to go home because they are cold.

I always took mine in early. To miss the crush you can have as already said but also to give a little walk around. They also get used to there being a lot of people gradually. Something to eat and drink but don't let them drink too much otherwise you spend a lot of time going to the toilet. Try to get an aisle seat just in case.

And most importantly enjoy. It's memories being made.

Macca1987 · Nov 20, 2024

Agree with all that's been said, it's the trying to get them hooked so they love going
I've been taking my lad since he was two, we started in the corporate in the East Stand at Highfield Road and he loved meeting the players after the game. he's now 24 and we still have that father son CCFC relationship, albeit it's now pub before and after the game and no sweeties at all lol
I wish you all the luck getting him hooked on CCFC weeman, it becomes a fantastic journey for father and son if you can

Jake22 · Nov 20, 2024

There's been 3 empty seats every game in FZ Block 33, next to where me and the family sit. Bit of a trek up the stairs but a good view!

Skyblueweeman · Nov 20, 2024

Jake22 said:
There's been 3 empty seats every game in FZ Block 33, next to where me and the family sit. Bit of a trek up the stairs but a good view!

Couldn't see 3 seats in block 33 just now to be fair but I've just booked 3 tickets in block 32, 6 rows from the front.

Thanks for all the advice above - think I might get a bit emotional taking him to his first game. Reminds me of my stepdad taking me to HR in 88 for my first match and that 'wow' feeling I remember having when I got to the top of the stairs to see the whole ground

On that note, thanks @Somerset Sky Blue for the suggestion of getting a photo of when he walks up the stairs to catch his first glimpse of the Arena - definitely going to do it!

Thanks to all for your other suggestions. We'll wrap up warm, take him some chewy sweets and spend lots of money on him after getting there early to take in the club shop and activities.

All we need is 3 points now ;-)

Bad Boy · Nov 20, 2024

Skyblueweeman said:
So along with my stepdad, I'm taking my son to his first ever match, to the Cardiff game. He's just turned 6 so I hope his attention span holds out!

Question re:tickets - does he need a JSB membership so we can sit it the family zone? Is there a family zone? I've sat all over the ground previously and never had to worry about kids tickets so not sure on the best place to take him in the ground.

Obvs not singers corner but advice appreciated on best part of the ground for a 6yr old for his first game.

Ta

Have a wonderful time with your lad, he'll be forever Sky Blue from that day on.
My 2 sons and my eldest granddaughter still talk fondly of their first visits.
I wrote to the club on each occasion asking if they could meet up with the players.
Dave Sexton was lovely with my two sons and years later Richard Shaw was just as lovely with my granddaughter.

mmttww · Nov 20, 2024

Worth picking out a couple of players for them to keep an eye on, explain what they're good at etc. That worked for me in the early days of taking my two to games.

and make sure you teach them to take the p*ss out of mistakes as well. My eldest loves a good 'Wa-hey!' when the opposition shanks a pass or falls flat on their arse.

oh, and try not to have them sat getting cold too long before KO. If you can take them into the bowl just as songs start-up before the game, it'll blow their little mind!

Skyblueweeman · Nov 20, 2024

mmttww said:
Worth picking out a couple of players for them to keep an eye on, explain what they're good at etc. That worked for me in the early days of taking my two to games.

and make sure you teach them to take the p*ss out of mistakes as well. My eldest loves a good 'Wa-hey!' when the opposition shanks a pass or falls flat on their arse.

oh, and try not to have them sat getting cold too long before KO. If you can take them into the bowl just as songs start-up before the game, it'll blow their little mind!

He's sung Haji Wright, Wright, Wright a few times around the house towards the back end of last season so I'm gutted he'll be out but good idea. I'll show him some YouToob vids of some of other players he'll likely see on the day. Great idea!

Skybluecol · Nov 20, 2024

Ear defenders!! Got my lad some sky blue ones off Amazon... he's 5 now and has used them each time he's gone sporadically (although we are singers corner!)

TomRad85 · Nov 20, 2024

In everyone's experience what age do kids start showing an interest in going to the football (if of course they do at all)?
It'll make things a lot easier for me to get to more games again if/when my son would enjoy it too.

Macca1987 · Nov 20, 2024

Skyblueweeman said:
He's sung Haji Wright, Wright, Wright a few times around the house towards the back end of last season so I'm gutted he'll be out but good idea. I'll show him some YouToob vids of some of other players he'll likely see on the day. Great idea!

My grandson, aged 4, can already sing sh*t on the Villa, very apt when my daughters ex is a knob and a Villa fan. All things Sky Blue for his birthday and Xmas

Calista · Nov 20, 2024

Skybluecol said:
Ear defenders!! Got my lad some sky blue ones off Amazon... he's 5 now and has used them each time he's gone sporadically (although we are singers corner!)

You've got a 5-year-old in Singers Corner LOL

Nick · Nov 20, 2024

It isn't surprising that my daughter used to love it when there were "handbags" flying about. She would get more excited than a goal a lot of the time when all the players go running in for a "fight"

Skyblueweeman · Nov 20, 2024

TomRad85 said:
In everyone's experience what age do kids start showing an interest in going to the football (if of course they do at all)?
It'll make things a lot easier for me to get to more games again if/when my son would enjoy it too.

Well my lad hasn't insisted on going to a Cov game before although he has mentioned about Fratton Park (as I think some of his friends have been) but he's just turned 6 and is slowly getting into football so I thought now would be the right time.

I think his attention span might be a bit short for the full 90 but we'll see in just over a week!

I've seen people take their kids younger though. My step dads brother took his 2yr old to Wembley for the Exeter game!

Skyblueweeman · Nov 20, 2024

Macca1987 said:
My grandson, aged 4, can already sing sh*t on the Villa, very apt when my daughters ex is a knob and a Villa fan. All things Sky Blue for his birthday and Xmas

Funny my lad said the word 'F*&k' at the weekend. He, my 3yr old daughter and their two cousins (also 3 and 6) were playing upstairs at nannys house and my boy comes down and says 'Frankie just said f*&k off'. I was like 'what did you just say?!' and of course he said it again.

It was the first time I've ever heard him say that word so I was shocked but amused at the same time!!

I'm going to have to forewarn him of some colourful language I reckon!

Calista · Nov 20, 2024

Nick said:
It isn't surprising that my daughter used to love it when there were "handbags" flying about. She would get more excited than a goal a lot of the time when all the players go running in for a "fight"

A chip off the old block. Does she have to restrain you sometimes?

Calista · Nov 20, 2024

Skyblueweeman said:
Funny my lad said the word 'F*&k' at the weekend. He, my 3yr old daughter and their two cousins (also 3 and 6) were playing upstairs at nannys house and my boy comes down and says 'Frankie just said f*&k off'. I was like 'what did you just say?!' and of course he said it again.

It was the first time I've ever heard him say that word so I was shocked but amused at the same time!!

I'm going to have to forewarn him of some colourful language I reckon!

Frankie?

Skyblueweeman · Nov 20, 2024

Calista said:
Frankie?

Sh!t - that's a sign, isn't it?! His cousin is called Frankie

TomRad85 · Nov 20, 2024

Skyblueweeman said:
Well my lad hasn't insisted on going to a Cov game before although he has mentioned about Fratton Park (as I think some of his friends have been) but he's just turned 6 and is slowly getting into football so I thought now would be the right time.

I think his attention span might be a bit short for the full 90 but we'll see in just over a week!

I've seen people take their kids younger though. My step dads brother took his 2yr old to Wembley for the Exeter game!

I'd like to fast track it but he's 3 so definitely too young. Also its not like its close, its a long day going up and down M1, M25 so he'd have to be really into it.

napolimp · Nov 20, 2024

Macca1987 said:
Agree with all that's been said, it's the trying to get them hooked so they love going
I've been taking my lad since he was two, we started in the corporate in the East Stand at Highfield Road and he loved meeting the players after the game. he's now 24 and we still have that father son CCFC relationship, albeit it's now pub before and after the game and no sweeties at all lol
I wish you all the luck getting him hooked on CCFC weeman, it becomes a fantastic journey for father and son if you can

That's beautiful

The watchmaker · Nov 20, 2024

TomRad85 said:
I'd like to fast track it but he's 3 so definitely too young. Also its not like its close, its a long day going up and down M1, M25 so he'd have to be really into it.

I've seen babies in the family stand but realistically they will probably start asking to attend games and get what is going on at 6/7. Comes round sooner than you think tho.

TomRad85 · Nov 20, 2024

The watchmaker said:
I've seen babies in the family stand but realistically they will probably start asking to attend games and get what is going on at 6/7. Comes round sooner than you think tho.

Yeh true, shouldn't wish it away. It's already flying past.

Skybluecol · Nov 20, 2024

TomRad85 said:
In everyone's experience what age do kids start showing an interest in going to the football (if of course they do at all)?
It'll make things a lot easier for me to get to more games again if/when my son would enjoy it too.

My youngest started going from when he turned 4, younger than the other but think that's because he sees his Dad and brother go off to the football and missing out. Took him to Wembley vs Man Utd and that was the game that cemented his interest. He was 4.5yrs old then

Skyblueweeman · Nov 20, 2024

TomRad85 said:
I'd like to fast track it but he's 3 so definitely too young. Also its not like its close, its a long day going up and down M1, M25 so he'd have to be really into it.

Yeah likewise. It'll be about 2.5hrs from Pompey to Kenilworth to some of my step-dads family, then to the Arena, then another 3-3.5hrs back to Pompey.

I suspect he'll be asleep by the time we get home!

Taking my son to his first match.... (1 Viewer)

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