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Post by superscfc on Nov 24, 2021 11:19:59 GMT
I have not attended a game post covid, I was last at the home tie vs Hull in 2020. I am considering going to the game with my 3 year old daughter this weekend as she loves watching on the television and enjoys a good day out using public transport etc. It's also a game I can see goals in so thinking it could be a good first experience!
I'm after advice from other fellow supporters on whether they think it's a good idea or I may cross some problems? Only thing putting me off is whether she will have the attention span for the full game as it will be a long day.
As I've not been down to the ground for almost 2 years now, when booking tickets are the tickets now electronic as in would I have them on my phone? I'd prefer collection from ticket office so the little un has a physical ticket to remember her first game much like I did.
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Post by Bera’s Beano on Nov 24, 2021 11:30:08 GMT
I have not attended a game post covid, I was last at the home tie vs Hull in 2020. I am considering going to the game with my 3 year old daughter this weekend as she loves watching on the television and enjoys a good day out using public transport etc. It's also a game I can see goals in so thinking it could be a good first experience! I'm after advice from other fellow supporters on whether they think it's a good idea or I may cross some problems? Only thing putting me off is whether she will have the attention span for the full game as it will be a long day. As I've not been down to the ground for almost 2 years now, when booking tickets are the tickets now electronic as in would I have them on my phone? I'd prefer collection from ticket office so the little un has a physical ticket to remember her first game much like I did. I bought my 4 year old son and 6 year old daughter season tickets this season as they were sure they wanted to go. They had been to the odd friendly and early round cup game before but struggled to get into the game. They are excited with the drive and walk to the ground, getting ready, looking around the ground, looking at all the statues, but once inside they are bored quickly and most weeks asking to go home by half time or fighting over who gets to play games on my phone. I aren't sure about the tickets since we have season tickets but another thing to consider is where you sit. We have tickets in the boothen end, as that's where I've been since moving from the family area years ago, the atmosphere in the concourse and in the stand is good but not that suitable for kids. Generally people drink a lot and pay little to no attention to kids walking around, especially at half time. Also bare in mind that since, I'm assuming you're dad and therefore taking your little girl may present issues with going to the toilet. I get mine to go before we leave the house and when we enter the stadium but you can guarantee they'll each need to go at least once during the match too. Which means having to take your girl into the mens toilet. Apologies if I've given too much of just a general person opinion and if any of it isn't relevant buddy. On a positive note, it is awesome to be able to share my time at the match on a Saturday, as I did from 3 years old myself with my Grandad, with my kids now and hopefully as they get used to it and get older, they'll enjoy the football itself more and more.
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Post by walrus on Nov 24, 2021 11:31:12 GMT
You can choose a physical ticket or a digital one when you buy online. If you get a physical one you can have it posted to you for £2 per ticket or pick it up from the ticket office for free.
The catering/bar in the concourse is now card/contactless payment only and a very small proportion of people choose to wear masks in the concourse.
I’m sure you’ll want to get there nice and early for her first game but that’s definitely a good idea as the queues for the turnstiles tend to be a bit longer now, in part because people have to scan their own tickets and in part because there’s a shortage of turnstile staff.
Other than that the match-going experience is identical to pre-pandemic.
Officially you’re not allowed to take bags into the stadium but it’s not enforced and a small rucksack with snacks for a child would be absolutely fine.
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Post by superscfc on Nov 24, 2021 11:40:47 GMT
I have not attended a game post covid, I was last at the home tie vs Hull in 2020. I am considering going to the game with my 3 year old daughter this weekend as she loves watching on the television and enjoys a good day out using public transport etc. It's also a game I can see goals in so thinking it could be a good first experience! I'm after advice from other fellow supporters on whether they think it's a good idea or I may cross some problems? Only thing putting me off is whether she will have the attention span for the full game as it will be a long day. As I've not been down to the ground for almost 2 years now, when booking tickets are the tickets now electronic as in would I have them on my phone? I'd prefer collection from ticket office so the little un has a physical ticket to remember her first game much like I did. I bought my 4 year old son and 6 year old daughter season tickets this season as they were sure they wanted to go. They had been to the odd friendly and early round cup game before but struggled to get into the game. They are excited with the drive and walk to the ground, getting ready, looking around the ground, looking at all the statues, but once inside they are bored quickly and most weeks asking to go home by half time or fighting over who gets to play games on my phone. I aren't sure about the tickets since we have season tickets but another thing to consider is where you sit. We have tickets in the boothen end, as that's where I've been since moving from the family area years ago, the atmosphere in the concourse and in the stand is good but not that suitable for kids. Generally people drink a lot and pay little to no attention to kids walking around, especially at half time. Also bare in mind that since, I'm assuming you're dad and therefore taking your little girl may present issues with going to the toilet. I get mine to go before we leave the house and when we enter the stadium but you can guarantee they'll each need to go at least once during the match too. Which means having to take your girl into the mens toilet. Apologies if I've given too much of just a general person opinion and if any of it isn't relevant buddy. On a positive note, it is awesome to be able to share my time at the match on a Saturday, as I did from 3 years old myself with my Grandad, with my kids now and hopefully as they get used to it and get older, they'll enjoy the football itself more and more. There's some really sound top advice there bud thank you, I think she would really enjoy the day out and will be amazed taking in the stadium, atmosphere etc of going to the game. I do plan on the family stand for first game as I wouldn't trust the Boothen and don't want her coming home with an entirely new vocabulary either. The toilet is something I was concerned about that could a tricky obstacle to be fair. Thanks for your honest advice
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Post by superscfc on Nov 24, 2021 11:42:45 GMT
You can choose a physical ticket or a digital one when you buy online. If you get a physical one you can have it posted to you for £2 per ticket or pick it up from the ticket office for free. The catering/bar in the concourse is now card/contactless payment only and a very small proportion of people choose to wear masks in the concourse. I’m sure you’ll want to get there nice and early for her first game but that’s definitely a good idea as the queues for the turnstiles tend to be a bit longer now, in part because people have to scan their own tickets and in part because there’s a shortage of turnstile staff. Other than that the match-going experience is identical to pre-pandemic. Officially you’re not allowed to take bags into the stadium but it’s not enforced and a small rucksack with snacks for a child would be absolutely fine. cheers for clearing that up, if I go I'll order to collect tickets and arrive early to avoid the queues, I'm guessing I don't need to take any sort of lateral flow or PCR test to attend the game as I'll 100% not be going if that's the case
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Post by walrus on Nov 24, 2021 12:07:06 GMT
You can choose a physical ticket or a digital one when you buy online. If you get a physical one you can have it posted to you for £2 per ticket or pick it up from the ticket office for free. The catering/bar in the concourse is now card/contactless payment only and a very small proportion of people choose to wear masks in the concourse. I’m sure you’ll want to get there nice and early for her first game but that’s definitely a good idea as the queues for the turnstiles tend to be a bit longer now, in part because people have to scan their own tickets and in part because there’s a shortage of turnstile staff. Other than that the match-going experience is identical to pre-pandemic. Officially you’re not allowed to take bags into the stadium but it’s not enforced and a small rucksack with snacks for a child would be absolutely fine. cheers for clearing that up, if I go I'll order to collect tickets and arrive early to avoid the queues, I'm guessing I don't need to take any sort of lateral flow or PCR test to attend the game as I'll 100% not be going if that's the case Nope no testing requirement. You can pretty much forget about COVID for a couple of hours at the football, it makes next to no impact. There are a few signs advising people to wear masks in the concourse but that’s all, and 99% of people ignore them.
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Post by walrus on Nov 24, 2021 12:09:21 GMT
Another thing to consider, if you want to get a programme as a souvenir of her first game, they are no longer sold. Instead they are free of charge and much slimmed down. You just grab one from a pile in the concourse but they can run out by kick off time, which is another reason to get there only.
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Post by Bera’s Beano on Nov 24, 2021 13:51:47 GMT
I bought my 4 year old son and 6 year old daughter season tickets this season as they were sure they wanted to go. They had been to the odd friendly and early round cup game before but struggled to get into the game. They are excited with the drive and walk to the ground, getting ready, looking around the ground, looking at all the statues, but once inside they are bored quickly and most weeks asking to go home by half time or fighting over who gets to play games on my phone. I aren't sure about the tickets since we have season tickets but another thing to consider is where you sit. We have tickets in the boothen end, as that's where I've been since moving from the family area years ago, the atmosphere in the concourse and in the stand is good but not that suitable for kids. Generally people drink a lot and pay little to no attention to kids walking around, especially at half time. Also bare in mind that since, I'm assuming you're dad and therefore taking your little girl may present issues with going to the toilet. I get mine to go before we leave the house and when we enter the stadium but you can guarantee they'll each need to go at least once during the match too. Which means having to take your girl into the mens toilet. Apologies if I've given too much of just a general person opinion and if any of it isn't relevant buddy. On a positive note, it is awesome to be able to share my time at the match on a Saturday, as I did from 3 years old myself with my Grandad, with my kids now and hopefully as they get used to it and get older, they'll enjoy the football itself more and more. There's some really sound top advice there bud thank you, I think she would really enjoy the day out and will be amazed taking in the stadium, atmosphere etc of going to the game. I do plan on the family stand for first game as I wouldn't trust the Boothen and don't want her coming home with an entirely new vocabulary either. The toilet is something I was concerned about that could a tricky obstacle to be fair. Thanks for your honest advice No worries bud, I just took my daughter into the mens cubicles at first. Now she is better suited to the layout of the concourse and knows the in and out I let her go into the ladies and come straight out while I wait and watch the door, (this is very stressful until she comes out though for fear of missing her if it gets crowded nearer half time). Also she is 6 instead of 3 so not so much an option for you yet I guess. I hope you do get to the match and that you guys have a great time, my kids love the Stanley Matthews statue the most, they ask to see it before every game now
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Post by Squeekster on Nov 24, 2021 13:57:37 GMT
I bought my 4 year old son and 6 year old daughter season tickets this season as they were sure they wanted to go. They had been to the odd friendly and early round cup game before but struggled to get into the game. They are excited with the drive and walk to the ground, getting ready, looking around the ground, looking at all the statues, but once inside they are bored quickly and most weeks asking to go home by half time or fighting over who gets to play games on my phone. I aren't sure about the tickets since we have season tickets but another thing to consider is where you sit. We have tickets in the boothen end, as that's where I've been since moving from the family area years ago, the atmosphere in the concourse and in the stand is good but not that suitable for kids. Generally people drink a lot and pay little to no attention to kids walking around, especially at half time. Also bare in mind that since, I'm assuming you're dad and therefore taking your little girl may present issues with going to the toilet. I get mine to go before we leave the house and when we enter the stadium but you can guarantee they'll each need to go at least once during the match too. Which means having to take your girl into the mens toilet. Apologies if I've given too much of just a general person opinion and if any of it isn't relevant buddy. On a positive note, it is awesome to be able to share my time at the match on a Saturday, as I did from 3 years old myself with my Grandad, with my kids now and hopefully as they get used to it and get older, they'll enjoy the football itself more and more. There's some really sound top advice there bud thank you, I think she would really enjoy the day out and will be amazed taking in the stadium, atmosphere etc of going to the game. I do plan on the family stand for first game as I wouldn't trust the Boothen and don't want her coming home with an entirely new vocabulary either. The toilet is something I was concerned about that could a tricky obstacle to be fair. Thanks for your honest advice We sit in the south stand and plenty of children about I think they do things for the young ones as well pre match plenty of food outlets and as for the toilet I see plenty of dads taking their daughters into the gents and letting them use the toilet cubicles so that shouldn't be an issue.
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Post by stiggerstackle on Nov 24, 2021 14:05:01 GMT
Hi mate, some sound advice already offered.
Just a couple of additions, my lads are now 6 and 7 and are only just capable of lasting to the end of the game - I started taking them when they were 3 & 4 and half time was their limit / boredom threshold.
A big bag of sweets helps enormously - dished out every 5 mins - they watch the clock on the big screen ad it adds a bit of interest for them. My youngest also insists on wearing ear defenders, because although he loves to jump up and down and clap when we score, he shat himself when he was younger at the crowd noise...
Enjoy!
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Post by withnall on Nov 24, 2021 14:11:59 GMT
Just get her really pissed up, she'll be fine and probably won't remember the traumatic upbringing or why she has a really small tattoo that says "Stoke 4 - 0 Blackburn".
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2021 14:13:00 GMT
I have not attended a game post covid, I was last at the home tie vs Hull in 2020. I am considering going to the game with my 3 year old daughter this weekend as she loves watching on the television and enjoys a good day out using public transport etc. It's also a game I can see goals in so thinking it could be a good first experience! I'm after advice from other fellow supporters on whether they think it's a good idea or I may cross some problems? Only thing putting me off is whether she will have the attention span for the full game as it will be a long day. As I've not been down to the ground for almost 2 years now, when booking tickets are the tickets now electronic as in would I have them on my phone? I'd prefer collection from ticket office so the little un has a physical ticket to remember her first game much like I did. I was having this conversation with my father recently who wants to take my nephew to his first game. As a kid, I remember being infinitely more excited about Spring games than winter games to be honest. 90 minutes is a long time for a child to sit in the cold and watch a game that can often seem to have limited atmosphere at present. Wait for Campbell to get back into full swing 😜
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Post by Robo10 on Nov 24, 2021 14:14:25 GMT
I took both my boys when they were 3 or thereabouts, it was an eerrrmm interesting experience
Son #1 (now nearly 20) pretty much ran up and down the (empty) rows of seats (it was a home game vs Plymouth in 2003ish! We won 2-0), kept buggering off and it wasnt much fun - he sat and watched about 10 minutes of the game and he was bored! I didnt take him again until he was 6, it was the Newcastle FA Cup game before we were promoted, he loved it, and soon had a 1/2 season ticket for the rest of the season that soon turned into a promotion season and he was hooked - even away at Uni we still renew his season ticket and he comes back whenever he can
Son #2 (now nearly 12) fell asleep at his first game, and spent most of the afternoon on my knee cuddled up, he wanted to go home quite quickly after we got there! Got him a ST at 6, and he witnessed the team self imploding pretty much, not winning a lot, plenty of 4 goal defeats and relegation (his big brother blames him lol) - it wasnt until the Sheff Weds Boxing Day game that he 'got' it, the mental, joy, relief, atmosphere and sheer pandemonium - he has enjoyed it a lot more since, and its pretty much just us two for part of the season, some of his mates also go (and we meet at the pub before the game) so he gets a good experience of pool/darts/football all day - he has become obsessed with league tables and form - is gutted he cant go this week as tested positive on Monday (not me thankfully!) so its the first home game he has missed for 4 years
A long winded way of saying buckle in for a long afternoon at 3, but once they are into it, I wouldnt want to spend the afternoon without them there.
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Post by superscfc on Nov 24, 2021 14:21:45 GMT
Some really great advice from people here much appreciated, I'm going to weigh it up the next couple days and decide last min on Friday more than likely, we don't live in Stoke so it would be a long day for the pair of us. I'll never know until I take her, nothing has completely put me off, only negatives are the attention span and the dramatic drop in temp the last couple of weeks but nothing some warm sweets, clothes and blanket can't solve. Thanks all, hopefully end up going
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Post by Afrojack on Nov 24, 2021 15:07:16 GMT
Some really great advice from people here much appreciated, I'm going to weigh it up the next couple days and decide last min on Friday more than likely, we don't live in Stoke so it would be a long day for the pair of us. I'll never know until I take her, nothing has completely put me off, only negatives are the attention span and the dramatic drop in temp the last couple of weeks but nothing some warm sweets, clothes and blanket can't solve. Thanks all, hopefully end up going Yeah keep an eye on the weather too. As it stands its given out a weather warning for wind and a very chilly temperature with it to boot
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Post by PotterLog on Nov 24, 2021 15:23:21 GMT
3 is still very young, although that could also be a good thing I guess. I really doubt she'll retain much of a memory of it though, if that's what you're going for. My lad was 5 and loved the day out but the game itself was easily the most boring part for him. Take plenty stuff to distract her like treats/sweets and something she can watch cartoons on or something, and be prepared to bail out if she gets too bored or tired, no shame in that.
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Post by superscfc on Nov 24, 2021 15:26:46 GMT
3 is still very young, although that could also be a good thing I guess. I really doubt she'll retain much of a memory of it though, if that's what you're going for. My lad was 5 and loved the day out but the game itself was easily the most boring part for him. Take plenty stuff to distract her like treats/sweets and something she can watch cartoons on or something, and be prepared to bail out if she gets too bored or tired, no shame in that. Yeah I was thinking that myself, big difference to watching on the telly but she will sit there and concentrate on a game. I can't see her paying much attention to the pitch but want to get the experience of going to the ground on match day as early as possible. I'd not be bothered about leaving early at all, kids come first not that I'd ever bail if I was attending without her though. Gonna take a literal rain check on Friday and go from there, everyone's been really helpful!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2021 15:44:32 GMT
I have not attended a game post covid, I was last at the home tie vs Hull in 2020. I am considering going to the game with my 3 year old daughter this weekend as she loves watching on the television and enjoys a good day out using public transport etc. It's also a game I can see goals in so thinking it could be a good first experience! I'm after advice from other fellow supporters on whether they think it's a good idea or I may cross some problems? Only thing putting me off is whether she will have the attention span for the full game as it will be a long day. As I've not been down to the ground for almost 2 years now, when booking tickets are the tickets now electronic as in would I have them on my phone? I'd prefer collection from ticket office so the little un has a physical ticket to remember her first game much like I did. I printed a ticket for someone v Posh. Was simple. The lad on the turnstile scanned it. Done the phone thing but found printing and having a physical ticket less hassle. Picking up at the office a doddle also to be fair if you want the reminder ticket. Takes 30 seconds satellite office and good to let them have the experience of seeing around the stadium also I guess. Either way, enjoy. Vaguely remember my first game, wish still had the ticket so good idea there. A few years back now, Old Stoke was posting on here as Skinhead Stokie and the team ran out to Boney M
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Post by sticky on Nov 24, 2021 22:22:02 GMT
Bought our 2 season tickets when they were 5 and was hit and miss at the beginning... always find the fa cup (if it’s a home tie) is a good first game.. cheaper and generally sit where u want (Depends who we get of course!)
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Post by scfcwebby on Nov 24, 2021 22:29:10 GMT
I have not attended a game post covid, I was last at the home tie vs Hull in 2020. I am considering going to the game with my 3 year old daughter this weekend as she loves watching on the television and enjoys a good day out using public transport etc. It's also a game I can see goals in so thinking it could be a good first experience! I'm after advice from other fellow supporters on whether they think it's a good idea or I may cross some problems? Only thing putting me off is whether she will have the attention span for the full game as it will be a long day. As I've not been down to the ground for almost 2 years now, when booking tickets are the tickets now electronic as in would I have them on my phone? I'd prefer collection from ticket office so the little un has a physical ticket to remember her first game much like I did. If you take your daughter on Saturday, I promise you I'm ringing childline
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Post by Trouserdog on Nov 25, 2021 6:36:55 GMT
"I'm bored, I'm cold, I need another wee wee etc etc." (And as for your child...)
Think 3 is a bit young personally...especially in winter.
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Post by telfordstokie on Nov 25, 2021 7:54:14 GMT
I took my lad when he was 3 in 2019 and as others have said, on reflection he was maybe a bit too young at the time. He was super excited about going into the ground and seeing Pottermus etc and on a selfish personal note, it was really special for me to be there with him and my dad. But about 10 minutes into the game he got pretty restless and distracted and ended up spending a lot of time on my phone.
If you go, I’d definitely also bring earmuffs or ear defenders as a back up for her as my son got freaked out by the crowd noise which I hadn’t anticipated. Like the sweets idea mentioned above too.
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Post by stantheman on Nov 25, 2021 9:35:58 GMT
My twin Sons attended their 1st home game aged 3 months, Rotherham at home, Peter Thorne 1 - 1. Their first away game was aged 3 at Coventry, Chris Iwelumo crucial penalty. Both season ticket holders since the age of 6, now aged 21
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Post by dave1 on Nov 25, 2021 17:50:15 GMT
My lads first away game was when he was 2, Crewe away in pre-season. He enjoyed it until the players come out the tunnel then he freaked out because of all of the noise. He's now 6 and loves it. Have a pint with him before hand, he sits good as gold through the match, goes mad when they score, knows all the songs, has a pie at half time etc....
Some good advice on here- always make sure that my lad has a shit before he goes.
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Post by prestwichpotter on Nov 25, 2021 18:01:51 GMT
"I'm bored, I'm cold, I need another wee wee etc etc." (And as for your child...) Think 3 is a bit young personally...especially in winter. Depends on their ability to sit still but I think I'm in agreement. My two lads were 5 (or near as damn it)..........
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Post by wrightspies on Nov 25, 2021 18:02:03 GMT
I took mine at three. Sometimes they loved it others they hated it. Depended on the match and what mood they were in. There was weeks I had to leave early and weeks they’d be begging me to take them back after it had finished. Like somebody has already stated. Be prepared to leave early.
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Post by Trouserdog on Nov 25, 2021 19:51:50 GMT
"I'm bored, I'm cold, I need another wee wee etc etc." (And as for your child...) Think 3 is a bit young personally...especially in winter. Depends on their ability to sit still but I think I'm in agreement. My two lads were 5 (or near as damn it).......... Thinking about it, my lad must have only been 3 when he went first time. He was good as gold- bag of sweets to thank for that, but I did have to carry him most of the way from Stoke town centre to the ground, which wasn't much fun. I only took him a couple of times a season until this year when he's had his first season ticket (aged 8 now). He still complains he's bored sometimes, but enjoys it on the whole.
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Post by Laughing Gravy on Nov 25, 2021 20:17:17 GMT
"I'm bored, I'm cold, I need another wee wee etc etc." (And as for your child...) Think 3 is a bit young personally...especially in winter. Depends on their ability to sit still but I think I'm in agreement. My two lads were 5 (or near as damn it).......... Yeah both of mine were 5 when they went to their first game. The eldest's was the first game at the Brit, the cup game against.. Rochdale? Can't remember the youngest's but he had his older brother to entertain him who was 8 by then so I could concentrate on the game. Both of them loved it, all the shouting and swearing, mostly by me . I had to warn them that what's said at the football stays at the football. In fairness they didn't grass me up. They're still going 24 years later but it's them doing the shouting and swearing now. When we scored I used to pick my youngest up in the air. He's now 6'3" and it's him picking me up. Not that it happens that often We've had some brilliant times together travelling all over the UK and Europe, times which we probably would never have had without a shared love of SCFC. So enjoy and cherish those years because they're some of the best you'll have and they're gone in a flash. Edit: I didn't buy them season tickets straight away and they didn't go to every game ie most night games were out. One piece of advice if you can afford it is they were both mascots which was brilliant for both of them. Thoroughly recommend it although it was free in them days.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2021 1:40:57 GMT
3 seems quite young. I know my personal experiences of football as a kid very much tie in with what people have written. I went to Stoke games as a 3 or 4 year old and can actually remember being bored shitless, asking who was winning, and then proclaiming myself a supporter of whatever dogshit team were beating us that day. I had STs around the age of 9/10 but never truly “got it” until I was maybe 12 or 13. 02/03 was the first season it clicked for me. Part of that was meeting other people from Stoke on holiday and realising that being from stoke was somehow part of self-identity. It was also an emotional season with the relegation battle and the winless run in the winter. The Sheff Wed 3-2 to end the 16 match (I think) winless run still ranks as one of my all time favourite Stoke moments/mentals. Very coincidental that a dramatic 3-2 vs the same club happened more recently.
In all honesty though it was still a while before I started understanding football enough to enjoy (or not enjoy but actually understand why) football itself.
Each to their own but if I ever have a kid I think I’d wait until 6/7 before starting to take them down.
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Post by Linx on Nov 26, 2021 23:04:36 GMT
Not wishing to put a dampener on things but the weather forecast for Saturday afternoon is bloody awful: very wet and cold. Make sure she’s well wrapped up!
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