Son's first game

All advertisments are hidden for logged in members, why not log in/register?

Whiston Blade

Whiston Blade

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2015
Messages
3,277
Reaction score
5,297
I'm planning on starting a love affair with Sheffield United my boy (which he will ultimately hate me for) by taking him to his first United game, so this is mainly for those who have done it but all opinions are welcome. At what age did you take them to the lane? My boy is nearly 3 and I'd like to take him to his first game this season but I am a little apprehensive about it. Mainly thinking about what I'd need to take with me to keep him occupied as he'll no doubt lose interest before we've even entered the ground..

I was thinking of sitting on the John St, my preference is the South Stand but do they even have changing facilities in case accidents happen?

What's the deal with food/snacks, are you even allowed to bring them in?

Also, tickets/registration, are under a certain age free or will he be classed as a Junior and be charged accordingly? (this may seem a daft question but as I've never had kids before I've not taken notice).

Is the Junior Blades still a thing and would it be beneficial to sign him up before getting tickets?

I suspect he'll want to have a bit of a wander around so I'll try and get gangway tickets to save pissing everyone off every 10 minutes. Also, how does entering through the turnstiles work with a kid, back in the day I remember my dad going through the turnstiles and me through a big gate between the Kop and South Stand.

I can't think of anything else right now but I'd appreciate some suggestions if you think I've missed something.
 

Whiston Blade said:
I'm planning on starting a love affair with Sheffield United my boy (which he will ultimately hate me for) by taking him to his first United game, so this is mainly for those who have done it but all opinions are welcome. At what age did you take them to the lane? My boy is nearly 3 and I'd like to take him to his first game this season but I am a little apprehensive about it. Mainly thinking about what I'd need to take with me to keep him occupied as he'll no doubt lose interest before we've even entered the ground.
Click to expand...

Small Fox 1 went to her first game at 9 months old. We were in the TC Suite so it was a little easier in terms of half time etc. We did take her to Brentford as a babe in arms (sling) but it isn't a regular thing.

She sometimes goes to matches now she's 5, but still does get bored occasionally.

Does he have a tablet with headphones? If so, that. Remember there's no wifi in the ground so anything will have to be downloaded if he wants to watch anything.

Cartons of drink. Sweets.

See if they're still doing the family thing in the Community hall before the games... they had colouring in, consoles for kids to play on, table football etc.

Whiston Blade said:
I was thinking of sitting on the John St, my preference is the South Stand but do they even have changing facilities in case accidents happen?
Click to expand...

No, but then there's no changing facilities in John Street either as far as I know?

Whiston Blade said:
What's the deal with food/snacks, are you even allowed to bring them in?
Click to expand...

Yep, just not pop bottles or cans. You can bring flasks in etc.

Whiston Blade said:
Also, tickets/registration, are under a certain age free or will he be classed as a Junior and be charged accordingly? (this may seem a daft question but as I've never had kids before I've not taken notice).
Click to expand...

It used to be that you could get kids in for nowt if they didn't need a seat. Now for fire regs, every child needs a ticket.

Whiston Blade said:
Also, how does entering through the turnstiles work with a kid, back in the day I remember my dad going through the turnstiles and me through a big gate between the Kop and South Stand.
Click to expand...

Pop him in first, do the ticket and turn the gate. Then follow. Or pick him up and go in on your ticket.
 
Whiston Blade said:
I'm planning on starting a love affair with Sheffield United my boy (which he will ultimately hate me for) by taking him to his first United game, so this is mainly for those who have done it but all opinions are welcome. At what age did you take them to the lane? My boy is nearly 3 and I'd like to take him to his first game this season but I am a little apprehensive about it. Mainly thinking about what I'd need to take with me to keep him occupied as he'll no doubt lose interest before we've even entered the ground..

I was thinking of sitting on the John St, my preference is the South Stand but do they even have changing facilities in case accidents happen?

What's the deal with food/snacks, are you even allowed to bring them in?

Also, tickets/registration, are under a certain age free or will he be classed as a Junior and be charged accordingly? (this may seem a daft question but as I've never had kids before I've not taken notice).

Is the Junior Blades still a thing and would it be beneficial to sign him up before getting tickets?

I suspect he'll want to have a bit of a wander around so I'll try and get gangway tickets to save pissing everyone off every 10 minutes. Also, how does entering through the turnstiles work with a kid, back in the day I remember my dad going through the turnstiles and me through a big gate between the Kop and South Stand.

I can't think of anything else right now but I'd appreciate some suggestions if you think I've missed something.
Click to expand...
If you search I'm sure there's a similar thread with loads of useful information on it. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures of his first game. I forgot.
 
Linz said:
Small Fox 1 went to her first game at 9 months old. We were in the TC Suite so it was a little easier in terms of half time etc. We did take her to Brentford as a babe in arms (sling) but it isn't a regular thing.

She sometimes goes to matches now she's 5, but still does get bored occasionally.

Does he have a tablet with headphones? If so, that. Remember there's no wifi in the ground so anything will have to be downloaded if he wants to watch anything.

Cartons of drink. Sweets.

See if they're still doing the family thing in the Community hall before the games... they had colouring in, consoles for kids to play on, table football etc.



No, but then there's no changing facilities in John Street either as far as I know?



Yep, just not pop bottles or cans. You can bring flasks in etc.



It used to be that you could get kids in for nowt if they didn't need a seat. Now for fire regs, every child needs a ticket.



Pop him in first, do the ticket and turn the gate. Then follow. Or pick him up and go in on your ticket.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the help. I assumed (wrongly it may seem) that the Family Stand doesn't have any baby/toddler changing facilities. Where is the Community Hall, down by Legends of the Lane?
 
This is a topic I've mulled over a bit as well. Myself, I was 6 1/2 when i went to my first game. Obviously I didn't need any other entertainment as was already into football - but it was a good age and I remember feeling the buzz and sense of occasion etc.

Unsure if I can wait another couple of years to take my son, but personally I think I'd feel a bit weird if he's having to play with toys/books during the match. Don't fancy him having to sit on those toilets either 🤣
 
brownblade said:
This is a topic I've mulled over a bit as well. Myself, I was 6 1/2 when i went to my first game. Obviously I didn't need any other entertainment as was already into football - but it was a good age and I remember feeling the buzz and sense of occasion etc.

Unsure if I can wait another couple of years to take my son, but personally I think I'd feel a bit weird if he's having to play with toys/books during the match. Don't fancy him having to sit on those toilets either 🤣
Click to expand...

It is an awkward one, my main concern is him wanting to explore the stand during the game, don't fancy running around after him and him screaming the place down 🤣
 
Linz said:
Small Fox 1 went to her first game at 9 months old. We were in the TC Suite so it was a little easier in terms of half time etc. We did take her to Brentford as a babe in arms (sling) but it isn't a regular thing.
Click to expand...

Lies.

She bumped into Uncle Kevin at Scarborough away pre-season.
 
Opal fruits (or whatever they call them this week) are the bomb, they take a while to open and then a while to chew, a whole packet can take a full half for a 3 year old.
#dadsnet.


Btw pick a meaningless game if following the Sitwell tradition of never starting with a win.
 

I've been contemplating the same thing as Mini Badger #1 is 2 and a half and is obsessed with anything to do with a ball but his attention span is the main issue as with most toddlers. Also the fact that his sister is due any day now so I'll likely have to be doing various things with him to keep him entertained and not feel like he's being pushed out.

Ossett United is walking distance away so I think I might give that a go first and see what the response is. If I have to leave early, I've not lost a load of money and a TV with Netflix/Bing/Cocomelon/Thomas isn't far away.
 
Plenty of activities for kids in John Street Stand. I would call the ticket office. tell them you want to bring your three year son, for the first time.
I am sure they can advise you.
 
Whiston Blade said:
I'm planning on starting a love affair with Sheffield United my boy (which he will ultimately hate me for) by taking him to his first United game, so this is mainly for those who have done it but all opinions are welcome. At what age did you take them to the lane? My boy is nearly 3 and I'd like to take him to his first game this season but I am a little apprehensive about it. Mainly thinking about what I'd need to take with me to keep him occupied as he'll no doubt lose interest before we've even entered the ground..

I was thinking of sitting on the John St, my preference is the South Stand but do they even have changing facilities in case accidents happen?

What's the deal with food/snacks, are you even allowed to bring them in?

Also, tickets/registration, are under a certain age free or will he be classed as a Junior and be charged accordingly? (this may seem a daft question but as I've never had kids before I've not taken notice).

Is the Junior Blades still a thing and would it be beneficial to sign him up before getting tickets?

I suspect he'll want to have a bit of a wander around so I'll try and get gangway tickets to save pissing everyone off every 10 minutes. Also, how does entering through the turnstiles work with a kid, back in the day I remember my dad going through the turnstiles and me through a big gate between the Kop and South Stand.

I can't think of anything else right now but I'd appreciate some suggestions if you think I've missed something.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming you've yet to bond with said youngster?
Please do yourself and him a favour, go online and search for the article 'How to love your child and do what's best for him'
 
GreasyChipBeattie said:
I'm assuming you've yet to bond with said youngster?
Please do yourself and him a favour, go online and search for the article 'How to love your child and do what's best for him'
Click to expand...
Am I having a wooooosh moment…

That seems to be a nasty response to someone just looking into taking his kid to a game? Where’s he said he’s not bonded with his son and needs to learn how to love him?
 
Linz said:
Small Fox 1 went to her first game at 9 months old. We were in the TC Suite so it was a little easier in terms of half time etc. We did take her to Brentford as a babe in arms (sling) but it isn't a regular thing.

She sometimes goes to matches now she's 5, but still does get bored occasionally.

Does he have a tablet with headphones? If so, that. Remember there's no wifi in the ground so anything will have to be downloaded if he wants to watch anything.

Cartons of drink. Sweets.

See if they're still doing the family thing in the Community hall before the games... they had colouring in, consoles for kids to play on, table football etc.



No, but then there's no changing facilities in John Street either as far as I know?



Yep, just not pop bottles or cans. You can bring flasks in etc.



It used to be that you could get kids in for nowt if they didn't need a seat. Now for fire regs, every child needs a ticket.



Pop him in first, do the ticket and turn the gate. Then follow. Or pick him up and go in on your ticket.
Click to expand...
I’ll see you at the colouring in
 
I’d say 3 is too young, 5 years old is about the right age for them to half understand what’s going on and not get bored until the 2nd half.

My son and daughter were both 5 for their first game, my son then wanted to go all the time from 6 1/2 onwards, my daughter goes now if there’s nothing better on offer as an alternative, I got her a season ticket though as I’ve got a younger son so at least I’ve got a seat reserved for when he hopefully comes to his senses in a few years.
 
Took my kid at 5, he's 20 this year and no longer goes... Had enough after covid..

Earmuffs, or soft earplugs, my cousin took his two girls last year and they left after the first goal because of the noise.. Haven't wanted to go back since.
 
Whiston Blade said:
I'm planning on starting a love affair with Sheffield United my boy (which he will ultimately hate me for) by taking him to his first United game, so this is mainly for those who have done it but all opinions are welcome. At what age did you take them to the lane? My boy is nearly 3 and I'd like to take him to his first game this season but I am a little apprehensive about it. Mainly thinking about what I'd need to take with me to keep him occupied as he'll no doubt lose interest before we've even entered the ground..

I was thinking of sitting on the John St, my preference is the South Stand but do they even have changing facilities in case accidents happen?

What's the deal with food/snacks, are you even allowed to bring them in?

Also, tickets/registration, are under a certain age free or will he be classed as a Junior and be charged accordingly? (this may seem a daft question but as I've never had kids before I've not taken notice).

Is the Junior Blades still a thing and would it be beneficial to sign him up before getting tickets?

I suspect he'll want to have a bit of a wander around so I'll try and get gangway tickets to save pissing everyone off every 10 minutes. Also, how does entering through the turnstiles work with a kid, back in the day I remember my dad going through the turnstiles and me through a big gate between the Kop and South Stand.

I can't think of anything else right now but I'd appreciate some suggestions if you think I've missed something.
Click to expand...
Took my daughter at 6 weeks reserve game 31 years ago she's thanked me ever since 😂⚔️
 
Took my two lads to their first games at 2 years 10 months. Hard work !

They were season tickets holders from 4 and still have same seats now on the Kop with me.

They’re 23 and 19 now. Eldest qualifies for top tier points wise for away games too. Youngest not far behind.

Get them in young. Sweets, pop and gadgets these days to start. Then get rid of gadgets and they’ll be into the game and atmosphere more.

Very worthwhile albeit costly as the away games kick in 🤣
 

I have a 3 year old and don't plan on taking him until he's at least 5 or 6. What you have to remember is for the most part, football can be tedious and kids want goals and action, not 90 mins of a frustrating 1-0 loss to a defensive block. I intend to wean mine in via MOTD and Fifa and kickabouts in the park. Taking him now would be a shite day for him and a stressful day for me. If your worried about the above as you say, I'm not sure its worth the stress at this point - there's plenty of times to let our boys suffer in the future 😅
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Nedski
Cheers, son's crying. Nice one
2 3
Replies
65
Views
7K
Youngand70
Y
M
First game of the season memories
2
Replies
30
Views
553
Silent Blade
Silent Blade
corkysbeard
Lost season tickets
Replies
8
Views
846
ISZA ⚔️
ISZA ⚔️
RecordBreakers
Swansea
Replies
2
Views
249
RecordBreakers
RecordBreakers
loyalblade95
Next youth player/s to break into squad next season?
2
Replies
53
Views
6K
Tony_Kaufman
Tony_Kaufman

All advertisments are hidden for logged in members, why not log in/register?

All advertisments are hidden for logged in members, why not log in/register?

Back
Top Bottom