5 year-old's first game - advice?

[Bladesince59]

Never (in over 60 years) been anywhere except the Kop.

 

[HD8 Blades]

iPad and Movie. He won’t do the 90!

 

[BladeByChoice]

Has to be a night match, walking up the kop steps 10 minutes before kick-off, packed Shoreham and the lit up pitch slowly coming into view, just as the noise is ramping up.

That’s an image that will burn itself into the memory of a 5 year old forever, guaranteed Blade for life.

Just get yourself tickets in the more civilised central front third of the kop, let your lad stand on the seat, and enjoy your day.

 

[Echo Blade]

I set my kids times to have a few sweets; on 15mins/30mins, snack at half time, 60mins/75mins, snack back at the car. Has them keeping an eye on the big clock and stops all the sweets being gone before GCB has finished!

 

[Charlieblade]

Can’t argue with any of those recommendations. Took my three lads to a night match v Preston.
John Street lower tier. At the time we weren’t doing so well, Porter and Higdon were playing, if that dates it a bit closer.
We were near a group of carers with wheel chairs. One bloke was pretty much catatonic, but his carer was using language a pit pony shouldn’t hear.
All good in the end. My lads about 8 years old then, and two of them have season tickets on the Kop now.

They are 17 and 18 now.
The facilities were decent even in those days, and access was pretty good too. BLUT sounds interesting, as a popular choice these days.
I agree that the noise levels need some management, but not too much, it’s a big part of the atmosphere.

My first time was ten shilling single seater coach from Worksop in the mid sixties, including match ticket on the old kop terraces. More freedom to move around in those days. I was 11 back then.

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

Never (in over 60 years) been anywhere except the Kop.

Miss a lot of cup games then part timer !

 

[JackSUFC]

Don’t think I’d fancy taking a young un on Kop for a first experience.

If you brave the bogs, they might ask questions like “why are those groups of men all going in together?” and “how come they all have colds?”

 

[1066blade]

I don't believe in child cruelty. Do not take him. Just think of all the years of frustration and pain you will spare him from.
I first went as a 9 year old in 1959, as the song goes
"If I could turn back time"

Only joking of course,I hope you have a wonderful day.

 

[diode_blade]

Hope your lad enjoys it pal, but don't forget to get him to kidney punch any oap's, babies and anyone else.

#blades5yearoldsareadisgrace.
Seriously though hope he enjoys it.

 

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

Another thought. If you don’t want to leave early to avoid the crush/aggro, and if the youngster has a strong interest in football already, stay to the end (for Billy’s winning goal), and then stay around for 10 minutes max afterwards. The crowds will have gone, you can view the ground from a different angle (the back row can be impressive), and some of the subs/players might start a warm-down. If you can get to the front, there is a good chance of a few words or a present. My grandson got John Cofie’s gloves. We thought they would be worth a fortune when he became a superstar! But grandson was well-pleased.

 

[Bladesince59]

Miss a lot of cup games then part timer !

Live in Bristol but don't miss many league games

 

[Rusty view]

You could really treat him and do Captain Blade club. (If they're doing it post covid). It's basically a mini mascot. And parents get to walk round pitch and watch players warming up from pitch side. I loved it to bits. Think my young un loved it but I was too engrossed.

Joking asidecshe loved it. Walk round pitch. Sat in dug outs. Then kick about on pitch with mascots. Then clap players on pitch.

Not sure if they're doing it now. But it was a great experience and fraction of mascot price. This was in Premier league mind

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

Live in Bristol but don't miss many league games

Only joking