sussexsaint Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Woke up at the crack of dawn and got dressed in his Saints kit then came running into the bedroom and demanded that I take him to a Saints game. Don't know what he was dreaming about last night , maybe that calpol is out of date I ought to check. Its tough doing my job and living where I do to get to many games each season and TBH I'd never even considered taking him as hes shown no interest up to now. It probably has been milling round his head since I told him he was named after MLT ( I told him not to tell his mother this) and showed him a compilation of goals on youtube. So would you take a 6 year old to a game? ( provided you are a parent and not some sort of weird internet type)
Toadhall Saint Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Woke up at the crack of dawn and got dressed in his Saints kit then came running into the bedroom and demanded that I take him to a Saints game. Don't know what he was dreaming about last night , maybe that calpol is out of date I ought to check. Its tough doing my job and living where I do to get to many games each season and TBH I'd never even considered taking him as hes shown no interest up to now. It probably has been milling round his head since I told him he was named after MLT ( I told him not to tell his mother this) and showed him a compilation of goals on youtube. So would you take a 6 year old to a game? ( provided you are a parent and not some sort of weird internet type) Take him - sounds like he's ready!
DT Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 surprised you've left it this late, to be honest
fareham saint phil Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Yeah mine went when they were 4 and 3 and they are diehard Saints fans, which living in Fareham is hard work at times. Get them young get them into Saints and they will be hooked forever, I enjoy nothing better than driving to games with my now 14yr old son and discussing the game and after all the action. Start them young, get it in the blood while hes that keen and my son was named after MLT and the wife knew it and never complained, but his favorite player when really young was Matt Oakley!!!!!!!
The9 Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 So would you take a 6 year old to a game? ( provided you are a parent and not some sort of weird internet type) Well, I'm not a parent, but I went to my first game aged 2 weeks (a 0-0 draw in the 4th Division, at least I got a photo in the local paper though), so I suspect I may be a little biased. My dad did mostly hold off taking me until I was about 5 - I wrote a very nice account of Newport County v West Ham in the 1979 FA Cup in my "what I did on the weekend" book from infant school, too. Having said that I remember him being pretty peeved that I spent the whole of the Mercantile Credit Classic Football League v Rest of the World match at Wembley reading the programme, and I was 15 by then... ...so it just depends if they're interested enough and ready enough. I'd say putting Saints kit on and demanding to go to a match is evidence enough !
oldsarum Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Take him - sounds like he's ready! I took my lad to his first game when he was 5 (2- 0 win v Liverpool Crouchie scoring for us) Despite subsequent relegations its not put him off and this year, 5 yrs later, he is now a season ticket holder for first time. He takes great pleasure in telling the Man U, Chelsea and Liverpool fans who sometimes give him stick that at least he goes to watch us live, not just on TV.
70's Mike Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Woke up at the crack of dawn and got dressed in his Saints kit then came running into the bedroom and demanded that I take him to a Saints game. Don't know what he was dreaming about last night , maybe that calpol is out of date I ought to check. Its tough doing my job and living where I do to get to many games each season and TBH I'd never even considered taking him as hes shown no interest up to now. It probably has been milling round his head since I told him he was named after MLT ( I told him not to tell his mother this) and showed him a compilation of goals on youtube. So would you take a 6 year old to a game? ( provided you are a parent and not some sort of weird internet type) Took my son when he was six , he cry because of the noise under the East Stand at the Dell We beat Villa MLT scored a cracker and we won 15 years later he is hooked for life Also took youngest son when he was 6 and to a Cup Final when he was 8
Brussels Saint Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Get tickets for the Chapel as they've now designated it as the family stand, that way you should be surrounded by other parents with young nippers. Never actually been in that stand myself, so maybe someone else can confirm if its a good experience for what sussexsaint wants........
mikec Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Take him! An adult/child ticket pair in the Chapel end (Family Center) is great value this season and there will be other kids his age there. Be prepared for the fact that he might get bored after 15 minutes so you might want to bring along a book or DS or whatever to keep him occupied while you watch the game. Alternatively he may be hooked and become a fan for life. (Are you happy to inflict that on him? ) The only downside then is that you will be nagged to take him every week.
Badger Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 My boys were 8 when they started attending.By this age they had shown sufficient interest and I felt they were likely to be ready to sit through 90 minutes etc.(Lets be honest, in the last 5 years or so it hasn't always been so good as to maintain an adults interest through an entire match let alone a childs.). It really depends on the child and if you think he is ready for attending,depending on many things including interest,attention span and coping with a sometimes rowdy environment. Judging by this morning there is a clear message for you though. Mine are now both Saints fanatics, and skatehate is also alive up here in Glos.
amsterdam Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 No - it would ruin the fun. Ha! Many a true word said in jest! Just got my 7 year old his first Saints kit last weekend when I was back in the UK... He proudly wore it to training on Monday but came back a bit down as his team-mates (in their Man Ure, Arse and other plastic kits) were taking the mickey. So I sat him down and showed him YouTube clips of Le Tiss and now he's fired up again! Will have to get him over for a game at SMS this season. P.S. Wonder how many boys aged 5-15 in Southampton are called Matthew??!
Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 My son did something similar. I sent him back to bed and told him to go back to sleep. When he asked why I told him that dreaming about Saints winning something is far more enjoyable than watching the rubbish we've seen over the last few years. I went on to explain that he'd benefit from the extra time in bed because it was a school day, and it's important to get a good nights sleep when you've got a busy day of education ahead.
Hamwic Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Be careful what you wish for. I first took my son when he was the same age. I had to get him to the Dell very early so he could get to the front. By kick-off he was bored witless and wanted to go home. Now, some 34 years later, he is Saints through and through and it has probably cost him a fortune in season tickets, beer, travel, more beer etc. Similar happened to me when my father took me to my first match. By half-time I wanted to go home; by the final whistle I was Saints until I die. The best of it is that I still attend occassionally and meet up with him and his mates before the game and we still 'enjoy' our shared passion - supporting Saints.
Dimond Geezer Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Defo take him. Start him now & hopefully he will see a few wins and won't be so easily swayed by the chelski/manure gloryboys he is inevitably surrounded by at school. My kids started going on & off at about 4-5 years. I took my eldest to the cup final in '03 when he was 6, it was the first time he'd seen saints loose, he cried, mind you so did I! . We are all season ticket holders now. We sit in the 'old' family centre in the corner of the kingsland/chapel, it's ideal for the kids, as they can go to the loo unaccompanied as they can't get lost easily or wander to far away as the concorse os entirely enclosed. And remeber to take plenty of sweets. My personal favourite is the Haribo jelly things.
RedAndWhite91 Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Ha! Many a true word said in jest! Just got my 7 year old his first Saints kit last weekend when I was back in the UK... He proudly wore it to training on Monday but came back a bit down as his team-mates (in their Man Ure, Arse and other plastic kits) were taking the mickey. So I sat him down and showed him YouTube clips of Le Tiss and now he's fired up again! Will have to get him over for a game at SMS this season. P.S. Wonder how many boys aged 5-15 in Southampton are called Matthew??! W*nkers :mad: In fact, I feel sorry for them. They will never properly know what it is like to be a proud supporter of a real football team. Back on topic, you should definitely take your kid to a match. I was 10 when the Dell got knocked down but I am pleased to say I went there a few times to watch matches (and had a tour on a birthday ) and now I am hardcore Southampton haha. Good on your kid, take him to a game.
chocco boxo Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Take him and get him hooked for life, I was four and was taken to Ipswich away, from there on in its has been The Saints for life. Six I would say is the perfect age.
Marsdinho Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 P.S. Wonder how many boys aged 5-15 in Southampton are called Matthew??! There were 6 in my class at school !!!! I was born in 76 though, before Le Tissier was invented...
Dog Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Woke up at the crack of dawn and got dressed in his Saints kit then came running into the bedroom and demanded that I take him to a Saints game. Don't know what he was dreaming about last night , maybe that calpol is out of date I ought to check. Its tough doing my job and living where I do to get to many games each season and TBH I'd never even considered taking him as hes shown no interest up to now. It probably has been milling round his head since I told him he was named after MLT ( I told him not to tell his mother this) and showed him a compilation of goals on youtube. So would you take a 6 year old to a game? ( provided you are a parent and not some sort of weird internet type) Same thing happens to me mate, my 5 year old son went to his 3rd game this season and loves it. It means I can't have a beer and all that but taking my son to watch the team he will grow to love through brainwashing gives me a buzz more than anything. He is also named Matthew.
warsash saint Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Wish my 7 year old nipper would show the same enthusiam ...... i keep hassling him to join me but he would rather stay at home playing with his lego :smt018
Gaz@Maybush Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 I take my 5 year old occaisionally. He loves it. Fortunately, my missus picks him and his older brothers up afterwards allowing me to go on the lash. Result.
Toomer Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 My dad took me to my first game when I was 5 that was way back in 1959 and I am still going today.
Armitage Shanks Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 SussexSaint - My son is now 10 and I've been taking him regularly to home and away games since the season we were relegated from the Permiership. Indeed, the first game I took him to was when we threw away the 2-0 lead at home to Boro (Redcraps first game in charge I believe). When we go to St Marys we stand in the Northam as that's where he wants to go. The only downside for a young kid is some of the language. My boy has always understood that some of the language is a bit ripe and indeed when he was 7 he asked me what a '******' was after the ref got some abuse. You just need to explain to them that the things they hear at the football they are never to repeat at home in front of their mother otherwise they will never go to a game again. It's always done the trick with my boy and he's never ever repeated it at home. You find a lot of the time that they are so concentrated on watching the game that they don't hear the language anyway. I would fully recommend that you take him. Its a great boys day out and somethng that I will always treasure. He's also stayed with the Saints despite the rubbish we've had ever since he's started watching them.
rick1976.4.38 Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 def take him,he is just at the right age.took my son to his first game away to fulham,we lost 3-1,wgs first game i think.so many saints fans there told him not to worry and stick with it.here he is now 15,got his first season ticket and absolutley saints mad.we are off to carlisle on saturday cos he loves going away with saints.he has all the plastics to put up with up here as well, who have never seen their so called team they support live,only on the telly.the best bit though is that its father and son going to see OUR team and hopefuly hell pass it on to his son when the time comes.see ya all at carlisle.coyr
explorer saint Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Take him to a game where we should def get a good result, then he will want to go all the time
Marsdinho Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Take him to a game where we should def get a good result, then he will want to go all the time Good luck with that one !!!!
Saint Luke Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Take him, mine was 6 when he went the first time. Sit on the end of a row by the gangway just in case you have to keep getting up.
Thedelldays Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 no way..would get in the way of stamping on people outside the Alfred
alpine_saint Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Woke up at the crack of dawn and got dressed in his Saints kit then came running into the bedroom and demanded that I take him to a Saints game. Don't know what he was dreaming about last night , maybe that calpol is out of date I ought to check. Its tough doing my job and living where I do to get to many games each season and TBH I'd never even considered taking him as hes shown no interest up to now. It probably has been milling round his head since I told him he was named after MLT ( I told him not to tell his mother this) and showed him a compilation of goals on youtube. So would you take a 6 year old to a game? ( provided you are a parent and not some sort of weird internet type) I took my 5 year old to the Brentford game. But I bought tickets for the Chapel end (I usually sit in Kingsland). He really enjoyed the whole experience - except the 30mins of the first half where he slept with his head on my lap.
Baj Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Woke up at the crack of dawn and got dressed in his Saints kit then came running into the bedroom and demanded that I take him to a Saints game. Don't know what he was dreaming about last night , maybe that calpol is out of date I ought to check. Its tough doing my job and living where I do to get to many games each season and TBH I'd never even considered taking him as hes shown no interest up to now. It probably has been milling round his head since I told him he was named after MLT ( I told him not to tell his mother this) and showed him a compilation of goals on youtube. So would you take a 6 year old to a game? ( provided you are a parent and not some sort of weird internet type) I take my 4 year old regularly mate, he's been to about 5 games since August (a couple of them were friendlies).
Trumush Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Take him to a game,but as others have mentioned be prepared for him to want to go home at halftime(or maybe earlier). Plenty of sweets and a mobile electronic game will help. Don't be put off by non believers threatening to report you to Childline for child abuse !!
Dimond Geezer Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 I took my 5 year old to the Brentford game. But I bought tickets for the Chapel end (I usually sit in Kingsland). He really enjoyed the whole experience - except the 30mins of the first half where he slept with his head on my lap. Same happened to me when my lad was about 6. We were playing Newcastle in an evening game, he slept from just before half-time 'till about 10 mins into 2nd half. People around thought it very funny. From then on took plenty of brightly coloured sweets - it keeps 'em awake (wired) and fired up.
Bad Wolf Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Kind of different situation but I'm 18 and first started taking my younger cousin when he was about 6
Hatch Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Definitely take him as soon as possible, do the whole package, get him something from the shop, burger van, program etc etc.. I went to my first game aged 7 and I'm still here 33 years later. Took my kids to the first games at St Marys when they were about 4/5,, one now supports man Utd the other supports Arsenal.
shurlock Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 General rule of thumb, the higher the division, the earlier you start them. Can be a scarring experience watching a pile of sh*t. Saw the cherries against ipswich in the mid 80s at a similar age in the old third division- never went again. Alternatively, take him to a part of the ground that has some atmosphere (in other words not the family enclosure)- at least it compensates for the lack of quality.
sussexsaint Posted 24 September, 2009 Author Posted 24 September, 2009 Just take him you tight git. lol - its nothing to do with the cash mate it was more to see what others thought about whether it would be too overwhelming for him/too noisy etc Thanks for all the advice - the question now is which one do I pick to take him to - problem is fitting it in around work.
sussexsaint Posted 24 September, 2009 Author Posted 24 September, 2009 Definitely take him as soon as possible, do the whole package, get him something from the shop, burger van, program etc etc.. . Definitely like this idea he would love all the extra stuff that goes with it cheers Hatch
ecuk268 Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Started taking my lad to the Reserves games when they were at the Dell when he was about 6. He liked that so his first league game was against Ipswich when he was 7. It was a cracking game, 4-3 with a penalty and a sending-off. Trouble was that he thought all games would be like that. 15 years later he's hooked and rarely misses a game home or away.
Scummer Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 I've taken my 2 1/2 year old to 2 games this season. Ajax friendly and Yeovil the other day. He was fine.
nickfinks Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 I take my 3 year old, he loves it, he sings fratton park is falling down all the time, funny as...
red&white56 Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 I starting taking my lad about 3 seasons ago. He was around 14 and not into football at all - but he loved it. It was an entry into a new world for him. Also (as we also live in Sussex) it's become a boy's day out - not sure where you live in Sussex but it's a good 1hr 45mins drive from where we live, plus all the hassle of getting out of Soton after the game, so you need to be sure he'll enjoy the trip as well as the game.
SO5 4BW Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 It would be a good time to take him now - the weather is still good and we're (hopefully) likely to be winning more home games now. I took my boy when he was about 5 - but to a game vs Charlton at the Dell in January. A 0-0 draw in the cold and he spent half of the match with a shocked expression - looking at me thinking "Is this really what you do for fun then?" He thought ripping the Dell pitch up after the Brighton game was good though. I had to explain that this was not a usual way to end the match Now he's 14 and solid Saints, despite living 40+ miles away, despite his mother's family being MU-supporting Mancs (there are some), and despite the fact that we're bottom of league one! We've started going to games together and it's his interest, coupled with the removal of Lowe etc that has rekindled my love affair with SFC!
Seany S Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 My daughter is 4 and I took her to her first game this season - the opener against Millwall. I was proud as punch that she sat and watched the game and seemed to enjoy it, then pestered me afterwards to buy her a "stripy top" - ie a Saints shirt!! I go in the Northam club regularly as I am a member, and all the folks in there were also proud of her as she came in before the game and devoured a massive ham baguette whilst her dad enjoyed a pre-match pint. Oh and I echo the views of others on here - the Chapel stand family enclosure is terrific value if you have kids with you, it is refreshing to get change out of a twenty pound note - even if you don't quite get the same atmosphere you would in more rowdy areas of the ground!!
SoccerMom Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 As mentioned before, make sure you get him an aisle seat- that way he'll still be able to see when a goal is scored. The DS is a good idea, too. And a programme, if you can shell out 3 quid. Where you sit is entirely down to what kind of kid he is - I'd recommend Chapel until he's been a few times, tho. If he's upset by language, or even by noise (there's a maximum decibel count for some kids that ruins their enjoyment, no matter how much they want to be there) then you might want to stay away from the top end of the Kingsland/Northam. If he likes it, then sign him up for Junior Saints - it can really help keep the interest up, and they often do deals, like free tix for their friends. Just take him, you know you want to!!
Son of Bob Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Started taking my lad to the Reserves games when they were at the Dell when he was about 6. He liked that so his first league game was against Ipswich when he was 7. It was a cracking game, 4-3 with a penalty and a sending-off. Trouble was that he thought all games would be like that. 15 years later he's hooked and rarely misses a game home or away. I remember that one! It was so rammed in the lower East that my mate had to take a leak against the wall at the front as he couldn't get out! My little girl is nearly 4 but haven't taken her yet. She keeps asking to go but her attention span is not sufficient yet!
leehoudini Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 This has to be the most pointless thread ever.
krissyboy31 Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 This has to be the most pointless thread ever. I was thinking the exact opposite. After all the shyte we've been through over the last few years, it is truly refreshing that we can talk about taking the 'new generation' to the game, whereas last season most of us couldn't even be arsed to take ourselves.
saints triumph Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 Woke up at the crack of dawn and got dressed in his Saints kit then came running into the bedroom and demanded that I take him to a Saints game. Don't know what he was dreaming about last night , maybe that calpol is out of date I ought to check. Its tough doing my job and living where I do to get to many games each season and TBH I'd never even considered taking him as hes shown no interest up to now. It probably has been milling round his head since I told him he was named after MLT ( I told him not to tell his mother this) and showed him a compilation of goals on youtube. So would you take a 6 year old to a game? ( provided you are a parent and not some sort of weird internet type) Sure I would. I took my son to everton away meny years ago, it was 2-2. He was 5 years old and when Saints scored he cryed, as the crowd jumping and cheering frightened him. He's 26 now and it do him any harm.
Son of Bob Posted 24 September, 2009 Posted 24 September, 2009 This has to be the most pointless thread ever. Why's that then?
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