Son's first game

[Rodders]

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

Yeah I have a 3 year old too and Bramall Lane would be far too much for him at this point. Like you say, 5 would be good. I’d be tempted to take mine at the end of next season when he’d be 4 1/2 to see what it’s like. He knows the names Billy Sharp and John Egan and that the Blades play football but nothing else.

Whiston Blade - an option might be if you just went for the 1st half only? I’m not sure 90 mins plus half time is sustainable for a lad at 3, just going off mine only

 

[Ainsley Harriott]

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.

Took my daughter to a couple of cup games (Barnet one being her first - she'll have been 4 I think). John Street has a kids section right at the away end. Loads of colouring stuff and there's even a room at the end of the stand where they can play games and get as much pop and crisp as they want. There's also a sweet stand inside. She was never bothered but it was more about me showing her where daddy goes at the weekend. She's a girly girl anyway, my youngest would probably cause a tear-up such is the difference between them. As for the turnstile stuff, get there early enough and ask a steward. Everything is simpler than you might expect. As for tickets, phone the ticket office with plenty of warning they'll set you up with a customer number etc.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

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?

Sorry Whiston Blade I was of course joking. You take him pal. No one's ever too young to experience the magnificence of match day at BDTBL

 

[Champagneblade]

Sorry Whiston Blade I was of course joking. You take him pal. No one's ever too young to experience the magnificence of match day at BDTBL

Too late.

We all think you're a shit now!

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

Imagine my disappointment when I discovered we hadn't signed Tottenham Hotspur's mercurial
attacking midfield superstar.

 

[Bath Blade]

I took my son to a match at three years old and he didn’t really enjoy it, was generally bored quite early. I took him back aged six and he loved it (particularly loved the fruity language!).

 

[100% part time blade]

First took my lad when he was 6.
He didn’t really watch much of it and played on his iPod (brand new big thing at the time).
Didn’t take him again for a while. Started taking my daughter - who is two years older - a couple of years later when we went on a cup run to the Wembley semi-final and she loved it. When her brother started playing fifa on the Xbox he got more interested in actual football as well: by that time he knew what was going on, and could reel off fifa facts about top players. I took him a few times and it was a big deal for him when we played Tottenham in a cup game (che Adams double) and players like Kane and Eriksen came to Bramall lane. It was still off and on for both of them though until Wilder came and they started wanting to go to every match, at which point they got half-season tickets for Christmas and have had season tickets ever since.
They’re at the top end of the teenage years now, and if I’m honest Sheffield United is one of the few things I have in common with my daughter in particular, so it’s been great.
I think it’ll be different ages for different kids obviously, but don’t give up on it if they’re not interested at first and then don’t want to go for a while.

 

[mancunianblade]

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

Do they still get sweets and pop though?

 

[BigBed]

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.

Dont do it!, wait while hes 12 and can go for a piss on his own, otherwise it's a nightmare!!
Took the lad when he was 5, was all a bit overwhelming for him at first, needed the bog 3 times first half, twice second half, and wanted to leave early, but by the 5th time, he was starting to get into it, now hes 16, season ticket, and doesnt sit next to me

Daughter, first game this season, Forest, she wasnt interested at all, moaned from 5mins In to finish, locked herself in the toilets(womens, she would go in the mens and had a paddy!), wanted everything on the menu at halftime, wouldnt shut up, wouldn't sit still, it was worse than the first time! Handed her over to our lass when we got home and agreed to horse riding lessons!

 

[Whiston Blade]

Dont do it!, wait while hes 12 and can go for a piss on his own, otherwise it's a nightmare!!
Took the lad when he was 5, was all a bit overwhelming for him at first, needed the bog 3 times first half, twice second half, and wanted to leave early, but by the 5th time, he was starting to get into it, now hes 16, season ticket, and doesnt sit next to me

Daughter, first game this season, Forest, she wasnt interested at all, moaned from 5mins In to finish, locked herself in the toilets(womens, she would go in the mens and had a paddy!), wanted everything on the menu at halftime, wouldnt shut up, wouldn't sit still, it was worse than the first time! Handed her over to our lass when we got home and agreed to horse riding lessons!

But apart from that you'd recommend it..?

 

[Geordie Blade]

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.

100% this! Kids under the age of about 8 or 9 will generally be bored stiff and will spend the whole game watching the advertising boards change or staring at the clock asking how long is left. Plying them with sweets takes the edge off slightly.

 

[Keef Chedwyn]

Probably mentioned above but I'd wait for the child to ask to go.
Keep talking about the players and manager to them so they've got a bit of familiarity and something to look out for.

 

[BigBed]

But apart from that you'd recommend it..?

Apart from that, I'd rather volunteer as a streaker in Ukraine!

 

[BigBed]

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.

And then, just as you get home, the inevitable "Sugar Rush" begins, and then your fucked!, unless they throw up all over the inside of the car on the way home!! Especially if it's a day like today!!

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

Do they still get sweets and pop though?

Pie and ale

 

[SUFC Guy]

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.

Deffo John Street mate. Quick and easy to get in and out. Decent toilets and catering options. Great view as well.

Starting taking my lad when he was 6 or 7 and did sit in a few places before settling on John St since 2012. He's 23 this year and it's great going for beers before and after

Even if he's not into it to start off with, he will be eventually

 

[BigBed]

May I suggest duct tape, tie wraps and Inch's .

 

[sitwell]

And then, just as you get home, the inevitable "Sugar Rush" begins, and then your fucked!, unless they throw up all over the inside of the car on the way home!! Especially if it's a day like today!!

Ive come to the conclusion that S24su has the badliest kids in the world.
Im ringing Esther

 

[Racing Blade]

Ive come to the conclusion that S24su has the badliest kids in the world.
Im ringing Esther

 

[Racing Blade]

Took my lad aged 5 v Bury, shortly after our relegation to L1. Took a bag of wine gums and told him we'd have one each time The Blades scored. It worked a treat, keeping his attention through a 4-0 win and, again, next time in a 3-0 win over Colchester.

It became something of a tradition, that season, with the wine gums passed around various other family members, each time we scored.

Sadly the bag taken to Wembley remained fully intact after 120 minutes of playoff misery.

 

[nickwr37]

Took mine at 5, Junior Blades membership for him, London Road boozers pre match and he loved it. He's now 26 and season ticket holder for last god knows how many years.
Whiston Blade - I would say that 3 is too young as a right ball ache. At 5 I had to take mine to the bogs but he was ok, once each half. He was playing footy then and swimming like an Olympian so was a top 5 year old dude

 

[blade67]

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.

I'd be inclined to take them to Hallam or somewhere like that instead, or even go and play football in the park instead.

I'd save big stadium football till they show an interest.

If you take them this early, there are lots of issues to plan for, as you and others have already identified and the potential that you put them off.

 

[Gimli]

I totally understand why you’d want to bring your kids to the lane and start the indoctrination process early, but I think they have to be old enough to have shown an interest, otherwise you’re spending your time planning things to keep them entertained or occupied - if you’re having to provide distractions and other entertainment that isn’t the football, it’s probably too early!

In terms of atmosphere, the purists will be calling me a heretic, but I’d recommend ladies football to introduce kids to live matches - it’s a much more friendly and i would say in my experience family friendly atmosphere, you tend not to have to worry about language or coke heads for example.

 

[NuddysGloves]

My son is only a few weeks old so can't offer any advice to you on this one, however it did get me thinking back to the first match my dad took me to. I was 5 years old and we sat on the Kop, all I can remember is that the stand to our right (John Street) was under construction and had some McDonalds advertising boards on it and I couldn't see anything happening on the pitch even if I stood on the seat because everybody stood up whenever we crossed the halfway line so I spent the entire game reading my book and asking my dad if we'd scored every time people around us clapped or cheered.

 

[diode_blade]

For god's sake don't take him if we get the pigs in a cup game.....would frighten him for life when barry wisp 'o' hair walks out onto the pitch....

 

[Maidenhead]

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.

Ossett is a good shout.

I used to take my son down to Arnold Town when has about 3ish and the highlight of his day was calling in the local newsagent to buy a Lion bar on the way down.

It was a different era back then. No I Pads, phones, tablets etc to distract them so he didn't have much choice other than to watch the game, but it was a good gentle introduction for him.

I decided that he was ready for BDTBL when he was about 4yrs 7mths so on 27th March 1989 he was in a crowd of 13,039 and he saw Brian Deane score for the first time, in a 1-1 draw with Notts County.

Since then became more and more regular at the games, and through his teenage years when we were actually in Maidenhead and we both had season tickets, the 8 or 9 hour Saturdays for every home game were priceless in terms of father/son bonding time.

He's now 38, he lives in Hull and I live in Morley, but we still have the same seats on the kop and it's great to be still spending time together at the games.