My 6 year old this morning

[Saint_clark]

This thread is a great read.

[70's Mike]

Do you have children ????

 

Not old enough

[70's Mike]

This thread is a great read.

 

Nineteen has not decided to ruin it yet, no doubt he will not take his kids because of the swearing and the number of common people who go to SMS

[agboola]

Took my son, Terry (guess who he was named after...) to his first game when he was 7.

We were living in Cornwall in 1985. No internet online sales, no replica Saints shirts - so he had a Liverpool shirt. So when Saints were drawn against Liverpool in the Screen Sports Super Cup I thought it would be a low attendance and the ideal game to start him off.

Being born in Cornwall he had no allegiance to Southampton, other than through me, so I was fully prepared for him to support Liverpool.

David Armstrong scored first for Saints (a pen near the end) and Tez became a Saint.

Of course Saints conceded an equaliser in the last few minutes - so he knew what life was going to be like.

[red&white56]

Not old enough

 

When you are old enough then you'll understand. I have 3 kids, 2 girls and a boy, they've all been to SMS, but only the nipper has caught the bug from me. At least the girls sit down and watch Engand games with me and the ask about Saints but that's it.

 

Even the missus has been to games with me (mainly away games as we lived up North), and that was in the 80's when the away end only ever had 150 fans in it - most of them trouble makers looking for Saints fans to beat up.

 

When you love two things - your family and Saints you desperately want to them to love each other. That's what it's all about!

[70's Mike]

When you are old enough then you'll understand. I have 3 kids, 2 girls and a boy, they've all been to SMS, but only the nipper has caught the bug from me. At least the girls sit down and watch Engand games with me and the ask about Saints but that's it.

 

Even the missus has been to games with me (mainly away games as we lived up North), and that was in the 80's when the away end only ever had 150 fans in it - most of them trouble makers looking for Saints fans to beat up.

 

When you love two things - your family and Saints you desperately want to them to love each other. That's what it's all about!

 

you mis understood my comment it was aimed at someone who was asked do they have kids.

 

i have 2 boys 21 and 14 who have both attended games since they were six as i posted earlier in this thread

[SFC Forever]

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.

 

I take my 10 yo daughter to every game and my 6yo son now and then.

I nearly always stop at the Chapel for a glass or two before the game and the catering van for some nosh.

Kids don't mind and nobody else seems to be bothered by the fact that kids so young are there. It is for the game after all.

Take them early and let them enjoy the climb back up the hill.

[Ziggy]

This is a great thread.

 

My eldest has had a season ticket with me since St. Mary's opened and is still as enthusiastic as ever aged 14. We live in Villa/Blues land but he still wears his saints gear everywhere with pride even though we're in the third division. My youngest comes occasionally but is more of a rugby fan but we are renowned locally as that odd family that supports the Saints!

[sussexsaint]

Thanks for all the relpies people, went through this at great length last night and he is keener than ever now. As soon as we can pick the right match re work etc we will take him along to the chapel - to hopefully start a life long obsession

[GenevaSaint]

Thanks for all the relpies people, went through this at great length last night and he is keener than ever now. As soon as we can pick the right match re work etc we will take him along to the chapel - to hopefully start a life long obsession

 

Sussex, I take my 6 year old in the Kingsland, block 35. Not alot of swearing (apart from when his dad is frustrated!) and a great atmosphere. Chapel is a good starting point though but I'm not sure about atmosphere and involvement down there, my lad loves the singing.

[yorkie]

Have you noticed all the "Dads" are posting about taking their kids?

 

What about this so called revolution where women - yes women go to football too!

 

Well I guess that sums it up for me - it's still a man thing with his offspring and wifey comes sometimes too!

 

Still football stadiums are much better for Dad's bringing there daughters when they are 19 years old before I get accused of being a paedophile!

 

Never understood women at football - sure they can swear, drink pints and fight as well of most of the youff...but do they really enjoy it?

[alpine_saint]

Whenever I take my oldest one, I tell him that the swearing can happen, and that if he makes minor curses that remain within the confines of SMS for the two-hour duration of the match, I will turn a blind eye. At the end of the game I remind him that if he swears outside SMS he will be punished.

[bristolsaint29]

I was taken to brighton away when I was 6 and remember standing on a upturned crate at the front to watch by my father when I was 6 or 7, we still attend matches together and it's "our" time.

 

I now have a son who is nearly 2 and one of the proudest moments was him in his first saints kits. I can't wait to walk him up the steps to see his first view of St Marys as I remember my first view of the Goldstone ground like it was yesterday.

 

I think this is something only a parent can understand and the joy just thinking about it brings is immense.

 

Oh and my wife hates it as I sing him off to sleep with OWTSGMI every night and she can't settle him!!

[SoccerMom]

Have you noticed all the "Dads" are posting about taking their kids?

 

What about this so called revolution where women - yes women go to football too!

 

Well I guess that sums it up for me - it's still a man thing with his offspring and wifey comes sometimes too!

 

Still football stadiums are much better for Dad's bringing there daughters when they are 19 years old before I get accused of being a paedophile!

 

Never understood women at football - sure they can swear, drink pints and fight as well of most of the youff...but do they really enjoy it?

I've met other mums at St Mary's with their kids. I even met a family of grandmother, mother and two sons once.

 

SoccerDad only takes the nipper when I'm away.

[SoccerMom]

. I can't wait to walk him up the steps to see his first view of St Marys as I remember my first view of the Goldstone ground like it was yesterday.

 

I think this is something only a parent can understand and the joy just thinking about it brings is immense.

 

 

That's the great bit, isn't it? Best when the pitch is floodlit - and they get the first glimpse of the green. I used to let the nipper run ahead just to see his little shoulders bunch up around his ears in excitement when he got to the top of the steps. Ah, the joys of being six.

[Foxstone]

Whenever I take my oldest one, I tell him that the swearing can happen, and that if he makes minor curses that remain within the confines of SMS for the two-hour duration of the match, I will turn a blind eye. At the end of the game I remind him that if he swears outside SMS he will be punished.

 

Similar line to me.

 

Even 13 year old lads like mine cannot help but be carried away by the passion of a football match.

 

Besides I have always thought that its character building anyway !

 

But once outside of course.... :smt011

[sticksaint]

This reminds me -i took my 2 girls to Blackburn away(the yellow and blue day) 2005.We were 3-0 down at the time and the saints fans decided to sing "your support is not very good" ( or words to that affect!) I was not joining in (likewise my mates who also had young children with them) When i looked at my 8 year old she was fully singing the whole song including swearwords! When i told her you shouldn`t really do that.She said " i was only singing what everybody else was singing!"

[Son of Bob]

Whenever I take my oldest one, I tell him that the swearing can happen, and that if he makes minor curses that remain within the confines of SMS for the two-hour duration of the match, I will turn a blind eye. At the end of the game I remind him that if he swears outside SMS he will be punished.

 

That makes me laugh!

 

For some reason neither my Dad nor myself will usually swear in front of each other (other than minor curses) but at football we're both totally potty mouthed. My old man's shocking sometimes, he even out-swears me!

[Give it to Ron]

My first away game was Skates v Saints when I was about 7 or 8 and we won 5-2 we sat amongst the 'hoards' of the unwashed and jumped up and down when every Saints goal went in.

I started taking my daughter and nipper to reserves games when they were about 5 and they were hooked into Saints like me.

Now they have a ST and even talked me into renewing when I was faltering after 40 years last season.

My lad is Saints mad and gets even more angry than I do when we lose!

 

As for the swearing.....they laugh at me sometimes when I get carried away at the man in black/green/blue but they know what happens at SMS stays in SMS.

[yorkie]

This reminds me -i took my 2 girls to Blackburn away(the yellow and blue day) 2005.We were 3-0 down at the time and the saints fans decided to sing "your support is not very good" ( or words to that affect!) I was not joining in (likewise my mates who also had young children with them) When i looked at my 8 year old she was fully singing the whole song including swearwords! When i told her you shouldn`t really do that.She said " i was only singing what everybody else was singing!"

 

I was at that game - I seem to remember the chant being...

 

"Your support is ****ing shti"

 

I joined in though with my daughter!!

[SaintRobbie]

I took my daughter when she was 5!

 

She said everyone used 'Daddy's words' to her mum afterwards

Edited 25 September, 2009 by SaintRobbie

[greg_hill]

The only real issue is safety, isn't it? At Saints you have a seated family stand so you are sorted. I want to take my soon to be four year old to a game but the local team only have terracing, and it gets crowded.

[RedAndWhite91]

I was at that game - I seem to remember the chant being...

 

"Your support is ****ing shti"

 

I joined in though with my daughter!!

 

Watch out, you will have the 19C parenting police on you if you aren't careful.

[Sfc90]

My first Saints game was when i was 3 or 4 i think. 5-4 barnstormer V Norwich at the Dell. I fell asleep. Had a season ticket every year since!

[eurosaint]

Whenever I take my oldest one, I tell him that the swearing can happen, and that if he makes minor curses that remain within the confines of SMS for the two-hour duration of the match, I will turn a blind eye. At the end of the game I remind him that if he swears outside SMS he will be punished.

 

Give him a break Alps, surely living with you is punishment enough ???

[Legod Third Coming]

Thanks for all the relpies people, went through this at great length last night and he is keener than ever now. As soon as we can pick the right match re work etc we will take him along to the chapel - to hopefully start a life long obsession

 

Are you sure? Might be a bit quiet in there for him. I suggest the Kingland Northam wing...

[Legod Third Coming]

Have you noticed all the "Dads" are posting about taking their kids?

 

What about this so called revolution where women - yes women go to football too!

 

Well I guess that sums it up for me - it's still a man thing with his offspring and wifey comes sometimes too!

 

Still football stadiums are much better for Dad's bringing there daughters when they are 19 years old before I get accused of being a paedophile!

 

Never understood women at football - sure they can swear, drink pints and fight as well of most of the youff...but do they really enjoy it?

 

Don't, I bring my 15yr old with her mates and all they do is talk about how buff half the team are. Whetever the feck that means...

[Tractor_Saint]

all they do is talk about how buff half the team are. Whetever the feck that means...

 

From Wikipedia ..

 

"Buff is a term used in many MMORPGs to describe an effect (usually cast as a spell) that temporarily enhances a player. Buffs may last for a predetermined amount of time, or until the player actively cancels them. Almost all MMORPGs include some buffs. ..."

 

We need more buffs

 

BTW Deffo go for Block 34 / 35 Kingsland - that's where me, the g/f and my kids STs are...

[Toadhall Saint]

That makes me laugh!

 

For some reason neither my Dad nor myself will usually swear in front of each other (other than minor curses) but at football we're both totally potty mouthed. My old man's shocking sometimes, he even out-swears me!

 

My old man (god rest his soul) took me to the 79 cup final. First time I had ever heard him use a swear word (and he was a docker)! Shocked me at the time but now just puts a smile on my face!

[Legod Third Coming]

From Wikipedia ..

 

"Buff is a term used in many MMORPGs to describe an effect (usually cast as a spell) that temporarily enhances a player. Buffs may last for a predetermined amount of time, or until the player actively cancels them. Almost all MMORPGs include some buffs. ..."

 

We need more buffs

 

BTW Deffo go for Block 34 / 35 Kingsland - that's where me, the g/f and my kids STs are...

 

Time they reopened 37 in my view!!!!!!

[saintwarwick]

Have you noticed all the "Dads" are posting about taking their kids?

 

What about this so called revolution where women - yes women go to football too!

 

Well I guess that sums it up for me - it's still a man thing with his offspring and wifey comes sometimes too!

 

Still football stadiums are much better for Dad's bringing there daughters when they are 19 years old before I get accused of being a paedophile!

 

Never understood women at football - sure they can swear, drink pints and fight as well of most of the youff...but do they really enjoy it?

 

I don't have a son but my daughter enjoys a trip to SMS and the wife has been known to attend a couple of games.

[sticksaint]

I was at that game - I seem to remember the chant being...

 

"Your support is ****ing shti"

 

I joined in though with my daughter!!

 

Yes yorkie that was the chant! I was being polite.

[MrMojoRisin]

 

P.S. Wonder how many boys aged 5-15 in Southampton are called Matthew??!

 

My first born is called Matthew and my second is called James after Beatts who was my favorite player the year they were born!

[MrMojoRisin]

My first born is called Matthew and my second is called James after Beatts who was my favorite player the year they were born!

 

Their first match was the mauling Palace give us on the ist game of the season. They were 3 and both fell asleep in the hot sun that day, but who could blame them!

[batterseasaint]

I decided to get a season ticket for my 5 year old girl this season (basically free with mine), despite the fact that she had made it absolutely clear that she really did not want to go! So I did her a deal... that if she came to the first game of the season and she didn't like it, then I wouldn't force her to go again. So there we were against Millwall, fully loaded with sweets, Nintendo DS and such like, but she loved it so much that we didn't need any other distractions. She was absolutely hooked, asking questions about everything throughout the game, just taking everything in. She's now been to every home game this season, and is gutted that I won't take her up to Carlisle tomorrow!

 

And if you're worried about the fact that you can't have a few beers after the game and so on, really don't worry about that. Taking my little girl to the football infinitely outweighs the enjoyment of having a few beers afterwards.

[*Halo*]

Excellent topic, great to read so many happy stories of a new generation of Saints growing up.

 

I had the pleasure of taking my two Nephews (my Sister's kids) to their first games recently.

 

Eldest is 13 and youngest is 10. Sadly, their 'father' (I use the term loosely) is a pathetic specimen of a human being and had no time for his own kids, though, fortunately, he is no longer part of their lives. Because he did not like football, they were not 'allowed' to either. He failed in that regard, as they still grew up plastic Liverpool and Man. Utd fans respectively, though I always tried to encourage them in the importance of supporting your local team, so they eventually grew to follow Plymouth as their "2nd team" too. Though, they'd managed to reach the ages of 13 and 10, without ever having enjoyed the thrill of experiencing a live game of professional football. How sad is that?

 

They live in Cornwall, and come to stay with me for school holidays sometimes (in Bournemouth, where I live now, though I'm Southampton born and bred). So, when they came for easter holidays (last season), I thought it would be a great opportunity to take them to their first game, which turned out to be AFC Bournemouth vrs Brentford. They really enjoyed the day, even though Brentford won 1-0; but that's just Bournemouth, and the story gets better.

 

They came to stay again for much of the summer, and this time, were very keen to go with their favourite uncle to watch his beloved Saints play. Sis said that would be fine, "if I didn't mind" taking them. Lol. So, we set to planning the best first fixture for them, bearing in mind they'd be back off to cornwall before the start of September.

 

So, as chance would have it, their 2nd game ever, this time watching Saints, would once again be against.....Brentford.

 

We made a great day of it. Up early, building up the excitement. They had also never (unbelievably) even been on a train before, so we decided to get the fast train from Bournemouth to Southampton Central, and have lunch in our beautiful City of Southampton, and show them around a bit first to make a real 'day out' of it.

 

They were very impressed with their first sight of St. Mary's, and had a really great time. Took them to the back of the Northam (my usual haunt), so they could enjoy starting some songs banging on the back boards, which they enjoyed alot.

 

Knowing how we'd been struggling to find the net, I was just so desperate for us to score, so they could get their first goal to cheer, and to experience just how mental St. Mary's goes when in celebration. Thanks for making that wish come true go out to Danny Harding.

 

Unfortunately we could not hold out though, so my nephews have now also experienced their first footballing 'hatred'. Having seen two games, both without victory, and both against Brentford, said London side are now distinctly on their disliked list.

 

The best part though, was later that night, back home, and before sending the kids off to bed, the youngest asks me: "I know we're meant to support our local team, and I'll always kind of like Plymouth, but is it ok to support your uncle's team too? Are you allowed if it's a team your family supports and you can grow to support them too?

 

So we had a nice little talk about how, yes, that is perfectly acceptable to support the team your family grows up with, but that you should still follow your local side too. So, I now have two converted 'Cornwall Saints' to come along to SMS with me whenever they come to stay.

 

The best part is for last though:

 

After they'd gone upstairs to bed, and I was sat at the desk on the computer (near the bottom of the stairs), I suddenly heard, in hushed tones (trying to be quiet and not wake their mum):

 

10 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

13 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

10 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

13 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

together: "Oh when the Saints go Marching iiiiinn..."

 

 

Ahh, magic. Their conversion was complete.

 

Thanks for reading if you got this far.

[Whitey Grandad]

Excellent topic, great to read so many happy stories of a new generation of Saints growing up.

 

I had the pleasure of taking my two Nephews (my Sister's kids) to their first games recently.

 

Eldest is 13 and youngest is 10. Sadly, their 'father' (I use the term loosely) is a pathetic specimen of a human being and had no time for his own kids, though, fortunately, he is no longer part of their lives. Because he did not like football, they were not 'allowed' to either. He failed in that regard, as they still grew up plastic Liverpool and Man. Utd fans respectively, though I always tried to encourage them in the importance of supporting your local team, so they eventually grew to follow Plymouth as their "2nd team" too. Though, they'd managed to reach the ages of 13 and 10, without ever having enjoyed the thrill of experiencing a live game of professional football. How sad is that?

 

They live in Cornwall, and come to stay with me for school holidays sometimes (in Bournemouth, where I live now, though I'm Southampton born and bred). So, when they came for easter holidays (last season), I thought it would be a great opportunity to take them to their first game, which turned out to be AFC Bournemouth vrs Brentford. They really enjoyed the day, even though Brentford won 1-0; but that's just Bournemouth, and the story gets better.

 

They came to stay again for much of the summer, and this time, were very keen to go with their favourite uncle to watch his beloved Saints play. Sis said that would be fine, "if I didn't mind" taking them. Lol. So, we set to planning the best first fixture for them, bearing in mind they'd be back off to cornwall before the start of September.

 

So, as chance would have it, their 2nd game ever, this time watching Saints, would once again be against.....Brentford.

 

We made a great day of it. Up early, building up the excitement. They had also never (unbelievably) even been on a train before, so we decided to get the fast train from Bournemouth to Southampton Central, and have lunch in our beautiful City of Southampton, and show them around a bit first to make a real 'day out' of it.

 

They were very impressed with their first sight of St. Mary's, and had a really great time. Took them to the back of the Northam (my usual haunt), so they could enjoy starting some songs banging on the back boards, which they enjoyed alot.

 

Knowing how we'd been struggling to find the net, I was just so desperate for us to score, so they could get their first goal to cheer, and to experience just how mental St. Mary's goes when in celebration. Thanks for making that wish come true go out to Danny Harding.

 

Unfortunately we could not hold out though, so my nephews have now also experienced their first footballing 'hatred'. Having seen two games, both without victory, and both against Brentford, said London side are now distinctly on their disliked list.

 

The best part though, was later that night, back home, and before sending the kids off to bed, the youngest asks me: "I know we're meant to support our local team, and I'll always kind of like Plymouth, but is it ok to support your uncle's team too? Are you allowed if it's a team your family supports and you can grow to support them too?

 

So we had a nice little talk about how, yes, that is perfectly acceptable to support the team your family grows up with, but that you should still follow your local side too. So, I now have two converted 'Cornwall Saints' to come along to SMS with me whenever they come to stay.

 

The best part is for last though:

 

After they'd gone upstairs to bed, and I was sat at the desk on the computer (near the bottom of the stairs), I suddenly heard, in hushed tones (trying to be quiet and not wake their mum):

 

10 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

13 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

10 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

13 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

together: "Oh when the Saints go Marching iiiiinn..."

 

 

Ahh, magic. Their conversion was complete.

 

Thanks for reading if you got this far.

Thanks for that. It brought a warm glow and tears to my eyes and it brought back happy memories too. :smt059 :smt059

[SFC Forever]

Creme de la creme

[SoccerMom]

Excellent topic, great to read so many happy stories of a new generation of Saints growing up.

 

I had the pleasure of taking my two Nephews (my Sister's kids) to their first games recently.

 

Eldest is 13 and youngest is 10. Sadly, their 'father' (I use the term loosely) is a pathetic specimen of a human being and had no time for his own kids, though, fortunately, he is no longer part of their lives. Because he did not like football, they were not 'allowed' to either. He failed in that regard, as they still grew up plastic Liverpool and Man. Utd fans respectively, though I always tried to encourage them in the importance of supporting your local team, so they eventually grew to follow Plymouth as their "2nd team" too. Though, they'd managed to reach the ages of 13 and 10, without ever having enjoyed the thrill of experiencing a live game of professional football. How sad is that?

 

They live in Cornwall, and come to stay with me for school holidays sometimes (in Bournemouth, where I live now, though I'm Southampton born and bred). So, when they came for easter holidays (last season), I thought it would be a great opportunity to take them to their first game, which turned out to be AFC Bournemouth vrs Brentford. They really enjoyed the day, even though Brentford won 1-0; but that's just Bournemouth, and the story gets better.

 

They came to stay again for much of the summer, and this time, were very keen to go with their favourite uncle to watch his beloved Saints play. Sis said that would be fine, "if I didn't mind" taking them. Lol. So, we set to planning the best first fixture for them, bearing in mind they'd be back off to cornwall before the start of September.

 

So, as chance would have it, their 2nd game ever, this time watching Saints, would once again be against.....Brentford.

 

We made a great day of it. Up early, building up the excitement. They had also never (unbelievably) even been on a train before, so we decided to get the fast train from Bournemouth to Southampton Central, and have lunch in our beautiful City of Southampton, and show them around a bit first to make a real 'day out' of it.

 

They were very impressed with their first sight of St. Mary's, and had a really great time. Took them to the back of the Northam (my usual haunt), so they could enjoy starting some songs banging on the back boards, which they enjoyed alot.

 

Knowing how we'd been struggling to find the net, I was just so desperate for us to score, so they could get their first goal to cheer, and to experience just how mental St. Mary's goes when in celebration. Thanks for making that wish come true go out to Danny Harding.

 

Unfortunately we could not hold out though, so my nephews have now also experienced their first footballing 'hatred'. Having seen two games, both without victory, and both against Brentford, said London side are now distinctly on their disliked list.

 

The best part though, was later that night, back home, and before sending the kids off to bed, the youngest asks me: "I know we're meant to support our local team, and I'll always kind of like Plymouth, but is it ok to support your uncle's team too? Are you allowed if it's a team your family supports and you can grow to support them too?

 

So we had a nice little talk about how, yes, that is perfectly acceptable to support the team your family grows up with, but that you should still follow your local side too. So, I now have two converted 'Cornwall Saints' to come along to SMS with me whenever they come to stay.

 

The best part is for last though:

 

After they'd gone upstairs to bed, and I was sat at the desk on the computer (near the bottom of the stairs), I suddenly heard, in hushed tones (trying to be quiet and not wake their mum):

 

10 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

13 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

10 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

13 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

together: "Oh when the Saints go Marching iiiiinn..."

 

 

Ahh, magic. Their conversion was complete.

 

Thanks for reading if you got this far.

 

Your work is done. Brilliant story.

[miltonroad]

Excellent topic, great to read so many happy stories of a new generation of Saints growing up.

 

I had the pleasure of taking my two Nephews (my Sister's kids) to their first games recently.

 

Eldest is 13 and youngest is 10. Sadly, their 'father' (I use the term loosely) is a pathetic specimen of a human being and had no time for his own kids, though, fortunately, he is no longer part of their lives. Because he did not like football, they were not 'allowed' to either. He failed in that regard, as they still grew up plastic Liverpool and Man. Utd fans respectively, though I always tried to encourage them in the importance of supporting your local team, so they eventually grew to follow Plymouth as their "2nd team" too. Though, they'd managed to reach the ages of 13 and 10, without ever having enjoyed the thrill of experiencing a live game of professional football. How sad is that?

 

They live in Cornwall, and come to stay with me for school holidays sometimes (in Bournemouth, where I live now, though I'm Southampton born and bred). So, when they came for easter holidays (last season), I thought it would be a great opportunity to take them to their first game, which turned out to be AFC Bournemouth vrs Brentford. They really enjoyed the day, even though Brentford won 1-0; but that's just Bournemouth, and the story gets better.

 

They came to stay again for much of the summer, and this time, were very keen to go with their favourite uncle to watch his beloved Saints play. Sis said that would be fine, "if I didn't mind" taking them. Lol. So, we set to planning the best first fixture for them, bearing in mind they'd be back off to cornwall before the start of September.

 

So, as chance would have it, their 2nd game ever, this time watching Saints, would once again be against.....Brentford.

 

We made a great day of it. Up early, building up the excitement. They had also never (unbelievably) even been on a train before, so we decided to get the fast train from Bournemouth to Southampton Central, and have lunch in our beautiful City of Southampton, and show them around a bit first to make a real 'day out' of it.

 

They were very impressed with their first sight of St. Mary's, and had a really great time. Took them to the back of the Northam (my usual haunt), so they could enjoy starting some songs banging on the back boards, which they enjoyed alot.

 

Knowing how we'd been struggling to find the net, I was just so desperate for us to score, so they could get their first goal to cheer, and to experience just how mental St. Mary's goes when in celebration. Thanks for making that wish come true go out to Danny Harding.

 

Unfortunately we could not hold out though, so my nephews have now also experienced their first footballing 'hatred'. Having seen two games, both without victory, and both against Brentford, said London side are now distinctly on their disliked list.

 

The best part though, was later that night, back home, and before sending the kids off to bed, the youngest asks me: "I know we're meant to support our local team, and I'll always kind of like Plymouth, but is it ok to support your uncle's team too? Are you allowed if it's a team your family supports and you can grow to support them too?

 

So we had a nice little talk about how, yes, that is perfectly acceptable to support the team your family grows up with, but that you should still follow your local side too. So, I now have two converted 'Cornwall Saints' to come along to SMS with me whenever they come to stay.

 

The best part is for last though:

 

After they'd gone upstairs to bed, and I was sat at the desk on the computer (near the bottom of the stairs), I suddenly heard, in hushed tones (trying to be quiet and not wake their mum):

 

10 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

13 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

10 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

13 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

together: "Oh when the Saints go Marching iiiiinn..."

 

 

Ahh, magic. Their conversion was complete.

 

Thanks for reading if you got this far.

 

Magic mate and well done to you!! This thread has a great resonance for me. I have a two year old boy and a 5 week old girl. Daddy is a season ticket holder at St Marys, Mum is a season ticket holder at P*mpey. Not sure how we settle the allegiances (they will be disowned if they turn to the dark side!)

[Loyal Saint]

Magic mate and well done to you!! This thread has a great resonance for me. I have a two year old boy and a 5 week old girl. Daddy is a season ticket holder at St Marys, Mum is a season ticket holder at P*mpey. Not sure how we settle the allegiances (they will be disowned if they turn to the dark side!)

 

Considering I'm their Uncle, they've got **** all chance of turning out to be skates as well you know ;-)

[miltonroad]

Considering I'm their Uncle, they've got **** all chance of turning out to be skates as well you know ;-)

 

That's the spirit!!

[hamster]

I took my two eldest Grandsons to the Bayern Munich game when they were both 5 years old. They probably don't remember but I also took the opportunity to let them know about Ted Bates as it was the inaugral Ted Bates Trophy match.

 

One of them moved to Kent 3 years ago and during one phone call, he tentatively told me that he didn't want to support saints anymore cos all the other kids in his new school kept saying how rubbish they were. I asked who he wanted to support and he said Chelsea OR Man united!!! I explained that his new classmates were right in that Saints were rubbish at the time, but he wanted to fit in and make friends so i asked him to always have saints as his second team.

 

I then explained how Grandad (me) was brought up in Gillingham and grew up a Gills fan until 1980, when I moved down here and converted to Saints. He asked me if Gillingham were any good? What could I say? Gillingham will never be as good as Saints I told him, but you will have lots of other Gills fans at school to make friends with. A good compromise was reached and I took him to his first Gills match last season, a horrible match against Barnet (my Skate/Gills supporting brother in tow). Gills pushing for an automatic spot, Gillingham were terrible, but I taught him a few Gillingham songs like 'Molly Malone', bought him a Gills shirt and resigned ourselves to the fact that they might just get to Wembley - they did.

 

He stayed with us for the weekend and I took him to the Wembley and what an amazing day we had. Last minute Simeone Jackson winner, and met a few Pompey fans at Fleet who chatted with him assuming us all to be Giklls, I soon put them straight on that though.

 

Unfortunately his dad won't take him to footie so he has so been looking forward to next weeks game as his other Grandad (lifelong Gills fan) was going to bring him down and we were going to meet up before and after. He can't bring him for health reasons now though so I am faced with a dilemma. I've solved the first part of the problem as I've taken the day off to pick him up next Friday, but he insists that he wants to go in with the Gills fans, and is adamant that he is wearing his Gills shirt. I really don't know what to do now though, I couldn't risk him cheering them on in the Itchen and I certainly don't fancy going in with the Pikey Army, much as I do love them, Saints are my first team, and we need the points more than them anyway.

 

Bloody football!

Edited 26 September, 2009 by hamster

[alpine_saint]

Excellent topic, great to read so many happy stories of a new generation of Saints growing up.

 

I had the pleasure of taking my two Nephews (my Sister's kids) to their first games recently.

 

Eldest is 13 and youngest is 10. Sadly, their 'father' (I use the term loosely) is a pathetic specimen of a human being and had no time for his own kids, though, fortunately, he is no longer part of their lives. Because he did not like football, they were not 'allowed' to either. He failed in that regard, as they still grew up plastic Liverpool and Man. Utd fans respectively, though I always tried to encourage them in the importance of supporting your local team, so they eventually grew to follow Plymouth as their "2nd team" too. Though, they'd managed to reach the ages of 13 and 10, without ever having enjoyed the thrill of experiencing a live game of professional football. How sad is that?

 

They live in Cornwall, and come to stay with me for school holidays sometimes (in Bournemouth, where I live now, though I'm Southampton born and bred). So, when they came for easter holidays (last season), I thought it would be a great opportunity to take them to their first game, which turned out to be AFC Bournemouth vrs Brentford. They really enjoyed the day, even though Brentford won 1-0; but that's just Bournemouth, and the story gets better.

 

They came to stay again for much of the summer, and this time, were very keen to go with their favourite uncle to watch his beloved Saints play. Sis said that would be fine, "if I didn't mind" taking them. Lol. So, we set to planning the best first fixture for them, bearing in mind they'd be back off to cornwall before the start of September.

 

So, as chance would have it, their 2nd game ever, this time watching Saints, would once again be against.....Brentford.

 

We made a great day of it. Up early, building up the excitement. They had also never (unbelievably) even been on a train before, so we decided to get the fast train from Bournemouth to Southampton Central, and have lunch in our beautiful City of Southampton, and show them around a bit first to make a real 'day out' of it.

 

They were very impressed with their first sight of St. Mary's, and had a really great time. Took them to the back of the Northam (my usual haunt), so they could enjoy starting some songs banging on the back boards, which they enjoyed alot.

 

Knowing how we'd been struggling to find the net, I was just so desperate for us to score, so they could get their first goal to cheer, and to experience just how mental St. Mary's goes when in celebration. Thanks for making that wish come true go out to Danny Harding.

 

Unfortunately we could not hold out though, so my nephews have now also experienced their first footballing 'hatred'. Having seen two games, both without victory, and both against Brentford, said London side are now distinctly on their disliked list.

 

The best part though, was later that night, back home, and before sending the kids off to bed, the youngest asks me: "I know we're meant to support our local team, and I'll always kind of like Plymouth, but is it ok to support your uncle's team too? Are you allowed if it's a team your family supports and you can grow to support them too?

 

So we had a nice little talk about how, yes, that is perfectly acceptable to support the team your family grows up with, but that you should still follow your local side too. So, I now have two converted 'Cornwall Saints' to come along to SMS with me whenever they come to stay.

 

The best part is for last though:

 

After they'd gone upstairs to bed, and I was sat at the desk on the computer (near the bottom of the stairs), I suddenly heard, in hushed tones (trying to be quiet and not wake their mum):

 

10 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

13 yo: "Oh when the Saints".....

 

10 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

13 yo: "Go Marching in".....

 

together: "Oh when the Saints go Marching iiiiinn..."

 

 

Ahh, magic. Their conversion was complete.

 

Thanks for reading if you got this far.

 

Wonderful story..

[GenevaSaint]

And if you're worried about the fact that you can't have a few beers after the game and so on, really don't worry about that. Taking my little girl to the football infinitely outweighs the enjoyment of having a few beers afterwards.

 

IF anyone is looking for a nice quiet place for a beer before the game with kids I'd recommend BTC rowing club, Crosshouse road under the bridge on the town side. Beer is cheapish, they have a pool table (40p!!!) and a dart board to keep older ones happy and just a 5 minute walk to SMS.

[oxfordshire_saint]

At what age do the Yoof start recruiting?

[krissyboy31]

IF anyone is looking for a nice quiet place for a beer before the game with kids I'd recommend BTC rowing club, Crosshouse road under the bridge on the town side. Beer is cheapish, they have a pool table (40p!!!) and a dart board to keep older ones happy and just a 5 minute walk to SMS.

 

Noooooo!!! That's a secret!!!

[suewhistle]

Never understood women at football - sure they can swear, drink pints and fight as well of most of the youff...but do they really enjoy it?

 

Heh heh, a man who likes to live dangerously.... We enjoy it as much as the next fan... although it being Saints there may well be a large S&M component to it!

 

This whole thread has really made me smile. anyway, if you fancy a pint pre/post match you could do worse than The Junction at St Denys: garden and childrens' room [known by locals as The Myra Hindley room] although a bit of a walk along St. Denys 'beach'..

 

*Halo* - don't forget to knock on the kids' bedroom door next chance you get and say "knock knock"... your sister may not appreciate it though!

[adrian lord]

My daughter's been coming with us since she was 4, now 7.

 

Including away at C Palace last game of the season a couple of years back, which was a boisterous atmosphere. Indoctrinate them early I say.

[SO16_Saint]

I've solved the first part of the problem as I've taken the day off to pick him up next Friday, but he insists that he wants to go in with the Gills fans, and is adamant that he is wearing his Gills shirt. I really don't know what to do now though, I couldn't risk him cheering them on in the Itchen and I certainly don't fancy going in with the Pikey Army, much as I do love them, Saints are my first team, and we need the points more than them anyway.

 

Bloody football!

 

Im sure that if you sat in the Itchen no-one would bat an eyelid at a 6(??) yo wearing a Gills kit.

 

It's different for kids - if it was an adult, they'd get pelters, but kids are fine, surely???