What age would be right to take my son to football? I'm going to give him his first taste of Priestfield this season, most likely the first game of the season. I have been thinking at what age is it right to give him an introduction to professional football? He's 4 and we regularly watch matches on the telly but he's not been to a live match yet. He's knows he's going and he's really excited about it. Does anyone feel this is too young?
I haven't a clue but surely he can't be to young to meet... please log in to view this image or the player's pitch side... please log in to view this image or for... please log in to view this image don't forget to take a bottle top for him or for hotdog, chips etc please log in to view this image Oh and not forgetting along the way, to try and take in a few minutes of the 90 minutes football! hope he enjoys it ps. we expect a full match report when you get back!
I took both my son and later on my grandson when they were about 6 and found that was a bit too young. They don't really understand it, until they are starting to play it at school and start to know the rules. He's probably excited about it before he goes, but I doubt it will hold his interest for long. As I said ,I found about 7 or 8 is when they take an active interest. But it's good to get them to go to Gills,because thats probably a future supporter for ever. My grandson is now 22 and doesn't miss a game.
My old man started taking me when I was four, and like Vinny said, by all accounts my concentration levels weren't great and I spent most of the time running around the Rainham End, you could in those days because it was a) terracing and b) empty most of the time. So I would say four was too young for it to be a regular but the odd now and then would be fine
I started to go when I was 7 with my old man and godfather, standing in the terrace of the Town End. I loved it, but back then a crowd of us younger lot were able to stand at the very front together. I doubt it will be as enjoyable for younger ones now compared to when it was for us. Plus we were playing some rather good teams in FA Cup runs/playing in a higher division at the time. I have the same dilemma though, my brother turns 7 the weekend of the opening home game and I was thinking of taking him. After referring to all this though, I'm not so sure!!
just be prepared to have to miss some of the game to keep him entertained/ look for him when hes sneaked off
Thanks to all those who responded. It's much appreciated. I'm still going to take him to the Cheltenham game. But will be sure to take some thing to keep him occupied if (I know, when) his attention drifts. UTG
My oldest two boys have had season tickets since they were 4 and 5. I started to take them both along when they were 3. I always sat in the Rainham End, but changed to back row block A of the Gordon Road so that they had room to get up and have that run around that we all so fondly remember. Anyhow, I go armed with sweets, crisps etc and they are fine, unless the football on offer is dire ( as it was mainly last season) in which case they go to sleep. I say go for it, and by the end of the season, he'll know the players name, will have a replica kit and will be shouting at the linesman and will even be asking you to take them to away games!!! Then at the end of the season, you'll have to explain why Jackson/McDonald won't be playing there anymore and leave em heart broken. I don't have season tickets this year, budget couldn't stretch that far, so like you will pick and choose my games. UTG
If you're set on taking him I think you've made the right decision, providing the weather stays fine. It'll be more for the experience than anything else. Sounds like you're realistic about the potential attention level! Hope you both have a great day.
I remember taking my two lads to their first match at a similar age. They sang " the referee's a whacker" all the way home.
I was eight when my father first took me to Priestfield in the days of Simpson, Woodley, Yeo, etc. I started taking my son when he was a little under 6, which is too young as he got bored after ten minutes and ran around the terraces under the Stanley Stand. However I stuck at it and kept taking him .. and by 7 he was hooked ... now 22 and we still go to a good number of games ... from Northamptonshire.
Hope he enjoys the game mate Aslong as he's not in the Rainham end which you said he wasn't then thats fine! I was 7 for my first game, 2003/2004 season, lost 2-0 to WestBrom, ahh the good old days.
I went to my first match for my 5th birthday, been going ever since. Took my son when he was 5 and he's been going ever since.
GeminiSwift - I just enjoyed reading your blog 'First Game' on NewsNow. I hope you will do a follow up to it? For example, clubs are supposed to be family orientated these days, so how did the experience go. The good & bad points and what image it gave you for encouraging more families to go, maybe a pointer or two that the club should be interested in.
If anybody would like to read my blog link is below. http://theshoutingmen.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/first-game/?
