What age is appropriate for going to a football match Post Reply

[Goldhawk]

mine went at 5 but did get bored
they left slightly early to avoid the crowds

he is the one who will be dealing with a bored child so I'd let him get on with it
it is generally much safer nowadays compared to when I was a kid

[Pud1]

As Goldhalk says, he will have to deal with it all so let him do it.

[Roo]

I was on a train to Putney Bridge with a load of footie supporters yesterday and it made me pleased my little boy was not with me. The language (F-ing this and that, calling each other a C***....) and their general attitude was horrible and a bad example for a 5 yr old.

So it could come as a shock to your little girl and hubby as well! Perhaps there is a local friendly match he could take her to but I'd steer clear of any big games that's for sure!

[juliantenniscoach]

@ROO - Exactly. That's my concern too. I'd like to take my 8yr old daughter who's a footy fan but I think she'd be intimidated by that type of behaviour. I can't afford/won't pay the price for a top seat where it would be better. But as you say the journey to and from the stadium is just as bad.

A better option might be an England game at Wembley. I've been there a couple of times and for some reason the atmosphere is better. Perhaps because there are hardly any away fans?

[breakfastattiffanys]

Julian et all,

I think it's most of us as parents have concerns about the language at football matches.

I took my son for his first game when he was 6 (t'was at QPR) and it wasn't too bad. We went in the family enclosure, travelled on the overground from Clapham Junction and not a bad word during either journey there or back (obviously very lucky!).

Have subsequently been to Crystal Palace (again overground) and Chelsea (on the 295 bus) and on neither journey did I hear bad language....a few choice words yes at the stadium but I expected it to be worse.

[SW11er]

A 5 year old will be fine at Fulham. Friendly ground and they have a family section where there will be other young kids. They often to deals at a pound for a child. Makes sense to leave early to avoid crowds. I think the experience (and cost) various massively from ground to ground though.

[schoolgatesmum]

Agree with SW11er - Fulham would be a good one to take her to. They really sell themselves as family friendly and it actually is! It's premiership so you get a good crowd and good games. As long as he's not bothered about who they are playing (i.e. not Man U or Chelsea) you can often only pay £1 for children. Easy to get to as well.