Dolman_Stand Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 At what age would you recommend taking your son or daughter to football for the first time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFC II Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 Went to my first game at 3 and started going regularly at 6, however that was before Ipads and other distractions. I'd start taking them when they are going to be able to concentrate for the whole game and enjoy it. Up to you though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 Started taking Joe at 8, which was the age my dad started taking me. No age is the right or wrong age. Just prepare them that it’s 2 hours plus, and that asking for the toilet during the game us a no-no....nor is predicting that when Frank boots the ball from his hands at The Ricoh, the ref will blow for half-time, and therefore it’s safe to go to the toilet, only to miss Agard’s goal. Crisps and Bars help too!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCFC11 Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 12 minutes ago, Davefevs said: Started taking Joe at 8, which was the age my dad started taking me. No age is the right or wrong age. Just prepare them that it’s 2 hours plus, and that asking for the toilet during the game us a no-no....nor is predicting that when Frank boots the ball from his hands at The Ricoh, the ref will blow for half-time, and therefore it’s safe to go to the toilet, only to miss Agard’s goal. Crisps and Bars help too!!! They certainly do! Spent numerous 2nd halfs in Bar’s due to a shocking 1st half performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 25 minutes ago, Dolman_Stand said: At what age would you recommend taking your son or daughter to football for the first time? Mods?? FFS - how many times .................... Can we edit out these vile binary references to gender specifics on OTIB. Folk have a right to have neither sons OR daughters. IT IS 2018 - LETS WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE (or tea / herbal infusion). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pongo88 Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 I’d say 7 - 8 is a good age, as children’s attention span is quite short before that. Other factors are important. Never, under any circumstances, take a child to their first match when it’s freezing cold. Adults can cope but a child, who won’t really undertand what it’s all about, won’t. In an ideal world go on a nice warm day. Take plenty of food and drink supplies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offside Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 Mine were about 3 or 4 when I first took them. I never found it too much hassle, although sometimes I had to take them to the toilet during the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddoh Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 50 minutes ago, JBFC II said: Went to my first game at 3 and started going regularly at 6, however that was before Ipads and other distractions. I'd start taking them when they are going to be able to concentrate for the whole game and enjoy it. Up to you though when would that be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFC II Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 1 minute ago, reddoh said: when would that be? It depends on the child I guess... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweeneys Penalties Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 My Dad took me to Molineux when I was 8.....later that year we fled South and I turned up at Ashton Gate with my Dad....v Fulham iirc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BilboBaggins05 Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 I went to my first football game at 6, and then started going more regularly at 9-10. I’d say that it depends how interested in football they are Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 1 hour ago, JBFC II said: Went to my first game at 3 and started going regularly at 6, however that was before Ipads and other distractions. I'd start taking them when they are going to be able to concentrate for the whole game and enjoy it. Up to you though That’s not a pre-requisite! Joe took 3 or 4 games before he saw a shot on target from City....in those dark days under SOD in 13/14. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crisis what Crisis ? Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 1 hour ago, Dolman_Stand said: At what age would you recommend taking your son or daughter to football for the first time? To Ashton Gate ?.....about 41 i'd say ( ....that way you can't get blamed for any bloody ' behavioral issues' it may bring on as they're growing up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyredredrobin Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 I remember being about 9 when I went to my first game. I would have been happy to go a year earlier though. we It does depend on the child though, for some it may be earlier. Whenever it feels right or they start to show an interest take them to a game. If they can't concentrate or get fed up, leave it a while and try again. If they enjoy watching City on TV, then I think it would be fine to take them to a game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lrrr Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 2 hours ago, JBFC II said: Went to my first game at 3 and started going regularly at 6, however that was before Ipads and other distractions. I'd start taking them when they are going to be able to concentrate for the whole game and enjoy it. Up to you though Watching City....? Not sure most fans are able to do that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
You Do The Dziekanowski Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 Whenever the mum allows Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted October 13, 2018 Report Share Posted October 13, 2018 About 17 I reckon when they're old enough to buy their own flipping tickets... it'd be virtual child abuse to get 'em hooked on something they might not be able to afford later on in life. Football it aint what it used to be! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renaissance Williams Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 I went to my first game at 11 - Filbert Street to see my Grandad’s team. I remember absolutely nowt about the game - except they had a player called Ken Leek. I’d spent my life in a Suffolk village so what I do remember is row after row of red brick terraced houses for miles around the ground- so I guess 11 was too young for me. Next year my dad took me to Portman Road and I’ve been hooked ever since - although now at the Gate. Your kids will know when the time is right - they’ll ask to come along. Mine still do in their 20s - as long as I pay the £30 odd quid!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bengalcub Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 8 hours ago, Dolman_Stand said: At what age would you recommend taking your son or daughter to football for the first time? Took my boy all last season and countless "excuse me pleases" after he needed a pee every ten minutes does really get to you after a while , take a back pack ,fruit drink and a toy. This season now he's 5 completely different watches for long periods, not much if any moaning and peeing before and at half-time, so I would say 5 however we got to watch the mighty reds beat man Utd and for that I'm so glad I took him . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Red Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 I was 7 when my Dad first took me. Remember being told that I'd hear quite a bit of bad language and that, if I repeated any of it, I wouldn't be allowed to go again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon uk Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 Think my boy was 4 or 5, but he didnt really get to grips with a game for another year or 2 after that. Be prepared for questions like whats marlon packs mums name, plus can i sit on your knee, and can i have sweets, most of the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChippenhamRed Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 Very much depends on the child, their ability to concentrate for a full 90 minutes, and their interest in football in general. My son is 7 and has started coming with me for the first time this season. He’s really enjoying it and I love having him with me. I would have been keen to take him sooner, but he just wasn’t that interested in football previously and I couldn’t be certain he would have lasted the whole game. The World Cup this summer was what really got him into football and he was finally keen to come. I do see people there with really young kids, around 2-3, who aren’t really paying attention to the game and generally getting restless, and I do wonder why people bother. Personally I think it’s much better to wait until they are ready to properly engage with the match - but each to their own. One thing I do struggle with is the fact that he’s the only kid in his school wearing a local team shirt and supporting a local club. Last time I checked, Barcelona is not twinned with Chippenham and Manchester is not in Wiltshire. It’s a real shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
When the river runs Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 I've been taking mine one who was 6 and the other was 4. My 4 year old boy didn't have much concentration and still doesn't to be fair, although he likes the singing. My daughter who is nine now has loved it from the get go and wanted to go to every game home or away. I took her to Millwall last year and that was an eye opener not sure I would do that again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon uk Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 1 minute ago, ChippenhamRed said: Very much depends on the child, their ability to concentrate for a full 90 minutes, and their interest in football in general. My son is 7 and has started coming with me for the first time this season. He’s really enjoying it and I love having him with me. I would have been keen to take him sooner, but he just wasn’t that interested in football previously and I couldn’t be certain he would have lasted the whole game. The World Cup this summer was what really got him into football and he was finally keen to come. I do see people there with really young kids, around 2-3, who aren’t really paying attention to the game and generally getting restless, and I do wonder why people bother. Personally I think it’s much better to wait until they are ready to properly engage with the match - but each to their own. One thing I do struggle with is the fact that he’s the only kid in his school wearing a local team shirt and supporting a local club. Last time I checked, Barcelona is not twinned with Chippenham and Manchester is not in Wiltshire. It’s a real shame. You have my sympathies re kits, but unfortunately when city have been generally mediocre for 100 years, messi/ ronaldo/ pogba are much more likely to capture a kids imagination than some of our lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidered abroad Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 Six years and nine months when I first went with Dad. Third Division (South). Seven in the next season when I went on my own. Took my son to Reserve game on Saturday afternoon when he was six. Any younger and their attention span is too short. Under 23 games at Ashton Gate would be the best now for a first one but I do appreciate they are normally played in evenings during school term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swanker Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 10 hours ago, ... said: Mods?? FFS - how many times .................... Can we edit out these vile binary references to gender specifics on OTIB. Folk have a right to have neither sons OR daughters. IT IS 2018 - LETS WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE (or tea / herbal infusion). Calm down son!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChippenhamRed Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 52 minutes ago, simon uk said: You have my sympathies re kits, but unfortunately when city have been generally mediocre for 100 years, messi/ ronaldo/ pogba are much more likely to capture a kids imagination than some of our lot. You’re right of course, I just wish it was less about achievement and more about supporting your local club or whoever your family traditionally supported. Naive and unrealistic these days maybe, but a shame nonetheless. I’d genuinely rather see local kids wearing Swindon or Rovers than Barcelona or Real. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-Robbo Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 Older daughter displays no interest, but younger one came along last season (aged 9) to watch us lose 2-3 to Sheffield Utd. It must've had some sort of impact, because she's coming along in a few weeks to see us against Preston. If we lose that one 2-3, I'll stop taking her... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handsofclay Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 Went to 1st match aged nearly 8 and we lost to Sheffield Wednesday 2-1. The last City match I went to also finished 2-1 to Sheffield Wednesday. Hope this perfect symmetry doesn't mean I'm on my way out! I recall being in the enclosure and the most overriding memory is of the powerful smell of tobacco when I entered onto the terrace, the grimy stands and the contrast of the vibrant green grass of the pitch. I didn't follow much of the action as the surroundings themselves grasped most of my attention. Funnily enough, I'm pretty sure City were 2-0 down and got their only goal in about the 80th minute...so even more symmetry. Went again the following month on my 8th birthday v Carlisle United. I wore the City kit with a number 5 on the back for Dickie Rooks. I was in the East End this time and followed the whole match which we won 2-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidered abroad Posted October 14, 2018 Report Share Posted October 14, 2018 9 hours ago, cidered abroad said: Six years and nine months when I first went with Dad. Third Division (South). Seven in the next season when I went on my own. Took my son to Reserve game on Saturday afternoon when he was six. Any younger and their attention span is too short. Under 23 games at Ashton Gate would be the best now for a first one but I do appreciate they are normally played in evenings during school term. I've just realised that one year after my first game at City, which was on Good Friday 1950, Dad took me to Ninian Park on Easter Saturday 1951 for Cardiff v Swansea with over 50,000 in the ground. Four months before my eighth birthday. We certainly were not mollycoddled then. But then, parental bunjee ropes had not been invented. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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