Question for Blackpool Dads

[JimmyHampsonEastStand]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

 

[Lytham_fy8]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

I'm not a Dad thank fuck but I would imagine now is a perfect time to take him, the club's buzzing and he'll never forget it.

 

[1950`spoolfan]

Many moons ago my dad started taking me at your nephews age 4 or 5 but at first it was only to reserve games. The very first first team game I can remember going to was when I was only just six and we beat Newcastle 6-3.I suppose attention span is important as well as enthusiasm. I was very keen.

 

[Stony Hill]

Kids are all different so, the age is irrelevant.
It’s easy for them to say they want.
Take him but have lots of “fall backs” - sweets, toys, etc and someone to help.

Have a trial run watching a match on tv first. If he’s soon bored = too early.

 

[todayistheday]

Ask him if he wants to go, you will find the answer that way.

 

[20togo]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

That's a tough one to answer. A first game can sometimes be a bit frightening for a youngster when you consider the amount of people and the noise which can be vey scary for some youngsters. I think it's all about the youngster themselves. If they are naturally outgoing and generally not a sensitive sort then he might be fine but five is still very young..

 

[TangerineExtremist]

Take him now! He clearly supports Blackpool, what’s to think about. Take him to bloomers!

 

[Chunkylad]

I’d say he needs to learn and recite correctly the “Preston get battered” ditty before he’s ready

 

[As_Cold_As_The_Rockies]

You need to take him now and preferably in the North

 

[TangerineYfronts]

Personally I’d wait till the police have sort out the appalling piss poor match day dispersal fiasco they have manufactured and created.

 

[Insider]

My Dad took me at about that age and I took Insiderson probably at a similar age.
Get him down there but take a big bag of sweets.

 

[IstoodontheKopinthe70s]

Yes, now is the time! I took my lad when he was 4, to a preseason friendly (Everton) . Once he’s gone to his first game that’s it, sealed for ever!

 

[Halifax71]

I took 2 of my 3 from around 4. Had to keep them occupied with sweets etc, as well as taking them to the loo 3 or 4 times.

They seemed to enjoy though.

Middle one was a late starter, around 12. Stubborn sod wouldn't go before, now he's the most avid.

Try it, see how it goes, bit of perseverance may be needed.

 

[Lytham_fy8]

'What are 'heavy loads' Uncle Eaststand?'

 

[Pauls_Boutique]

I took my daughter to the homecoming game when she was 4. She loved it but was most upset when all the balloons were popped just before kick off!!

I also took her to the Boro cup game earlier this season, nice summers evening and a treat of a late night.

Just take plenty of snacks and don’t expect to see a great deal the game!!

 

[TangerineSeasider]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

That’s my two kids in my Avatar, Daughter is 7 and my son has just turned 5.
He‘s more football mad than her, and I took them to their first game, this seasons opener against Cardiff.
She had a lateish and busy evening at afterschool clubs the night before the game, and with travelling did lose a little interest by the end of the game. ( more due to being tired )
My son however lapped it up, and has been twice with me since ( and sang along with the North stand choir ) practically all the matches.

Thats along with the fact we go in the ground early so he can high five and hug Bloomfield Bear.

Only bit of advice is take a BIG bag of sweets for your little one for a pre match snack.

Only down side to our visits was one bloke in the family stand during the Cardiff game was using a few choice words on a regular basis , but we were getting beat at the time.
( Still no excuse when there’s little children around ).

 

[td53]

Sweets and a coin to play "swap the coin when the ball goes out of play" and make sure you lose!

 

[tangerine.com]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

Take him now. Otherwise he might be taken to Liverpool first which, by then, his head might have been turned after that.

 

[bfcpete]

Aged 4 is quite young. If you take him he may not be used to big crowds and may be a bit nervous. I certainly wouldn't take him in the North for his first match. Needs to get used to being in the stadium first.

 

[TSSeasider]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

My 2 have been about 5; home and away matches since then

Neither of them were scared, possibly as I made sure they 'felt' safe. Held their hands etc and took them in the family stands.

They loved it and have loved it ever since.

I agree with having a back up (tablet, phone etc) but I think he will be too engrossed in the game and watching the Kop doing it's thing.

One word of warning; he will talk throughout the match, so be patient with him and allow that connection and love to grow.

 

[Lytham_fy8]

Aged 4 is quite young. If you take him he may not be used to big crowds and may be a bit nervous. I certainly wouldn't take him in the North for his first match. Needs to get used to being in the stadium first.

I'm pushing 50 and scared of the North.

 

[Supersub]

I first took my lad when he was about 5 years old. It was a night game under the old regime in about 2003 - 04. I can’t remember who we played but I was in the north stand behind the goal and the weather was horrendous. Lashed it down all night and it was cold. It was a poor game, little too get excited about and my boy was asleep leaning into me by half time. He told me the following day that he never wanted to go again. He is now 21 and an ardent Blackpool supporter. I took him again following Graysons appointment, we developed a good team, it was exciting to watch and it was a warm sunny day and that was that. Lesson learned. Children need to be entertained, night match for first game aged 5 , bad idea, kids get tired. Cold and wet, who likes that ? Poor football, not a great combination. I know we are all different but don’t worry about it. Your passion and enthusiasm will see him through.

 

[This is Ska]

I first took my lad when he was about 5 years old. It was a night game under the old regime in about 2003 - 04. I can’t remember who we played but I was in the north stand behind the goal and the weather was horrendous. Lashed it down all night and it was cold. It was a poor game, little too get excited about and my boy was asleep leaning into me by half time. He told me the following day that he never wanted to go again. He is now 21 and an ardent Blackpool supporter. I took him again following Graysons appointment, we developed a good team, it was exciting to watch and it was a warm sunny day and that was that. Lesson learned. Children need to be entertained, night match for first game aged 5 , bad idea, kids get tired. Cold and wet, who likes that ? Poor football, not a great combination. I know we are all different but don’t worry about it. Your passion and enthusiasm will see him through.

Good point about not a night game first up at that age.

 

[Fatboy]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

I got my lad a half season ticket, and he’s been going ever since, apart from the boycott years of course, oh and he’s 28 now !

 

[bfcpete]

I'm pushing 50 and scared of the North.

I am 62 and I certainly wouldn't go in the North. My knees wouldn't cope with 2 hours of standing up . A 4 year old wouldn't see anything unless you were holding him up for the whole match

 

[Seasidestevo71]

took mine at a younger age, bag full of sweets and drink to keep him entertained, probably about 3 or 4, now stood with me aged 20 in the north stand singing our hearts out

 

[Tangerine9]

Took my 5 year old for the first time earlier in the season and still recovering.

My downfall was probably providing too many sugary snacks before kick off which left him wired and then forgetting to bring his tablet along for when the sugar wore off and he got bored (which was about 15 minutes in!). I then discovered that he doesn’t like crowd noise when we had the audacity to score.

It was definitely a learning curve as a parent however neither of us are totally put off as he still occasionally belts out “Sea Sea Seasiders!” and I’ve said I’ll bring him along again in the new year but much better prepared.

If they’re showing an interest, give it a go. It’s only a (potentially long) couple of hours!

 

[fcblackpool]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

Eldest first game was aged 2. Youngest (girl) about 9.

 

[GTFsTwinBrother]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

I'm in the exacte same situation! Only my nephews dad an family are forest fans... want to take him to a game but feel he might be a bit too young

 

[Hankey2009]

Echo the ideas of plenty of treats and drink to keep the kid happy. Took my lad to Newcastle vs Cardiff during the boycott years and he loved it, I was genuinely worried I’d never get to take him to a Blackpool game, however the homecoming game eventually came and he’s just as obsessed as I was and still am!

I’d shower your nephew with Blackpool related stuff, thing is our colour is unique and exciting. That’s before you get in the ground with the atmosphere etc!

Think my lad was 5 at that Newcastle game and he did get scared every so often, he’s 10 now though and loves going home and away. Shame my youngest who’s 6 has no interest whatsoever but hopefully we’ll get there with him one day

 

[Wizzerboy]

Never realised I took my eldest lad at such a young age. He'd just turned three!!!
It was the match against Huddersfield when it all kicked off and the ref took the players off.
Nipper thought it was half time and wanted to know why tango the monkey wasn't throwing sweets into the crowd.
Anyway, team got battered, my lad only got the sweets I'd taken and I got a good telling off from the Mrs as the trouble had been reported on radio wave and she'd been worried sick.
27 years later my eldest, his brother and I all have season tickets in the NW

Take em young and keep em occupied

 

[Walnut]

Took my nephew at about 6 and he loved it. Sill a Pool fan approaching 50

 

[dodgy_surname]

Took my nephew at about 6 and he loved it. Sill a Pool fan approaching 50

I hope you weren’t asleep ️

 

[Wizaard]

That's a tough one to answer. A first game can sometimes be a bit frightening for a youngster when you consider the amount of people and the noise which can be vey scary for some youngsters. I think it's all about the youngster themselves. If they are naturally outgoing and generally not a sensitive sort then he might be fine but five is still very young..

Family stand will be fine. You can see the North and all that energy but it's not too close to be overwhelming.

 

[thedevilsadvocate]

I think my son was 6. Take a couple of his toys with him, even if it is his scalextric !!

 

[poolseasider]

That's what we have a family stand for, full of parents and their kids great environment.

But each kid is different boy did I try to get my lad into going to games at an early age did us, PL and England but he wasn't interested then at 14 whoosh and now you wouldn't get a more obsessed football fan if you tried.

 

[ForeverTangerine]

Introduce him to Bloomfield Bear

 

[585 = never give up]

I’m after some advice please. I have a delightful 4 year old nephew. For some reason he loves his uncle. He’s a happy and fun lad, but has a limited attention span. He lives in Merseyside and is from a Liverpool supporting family, however when asked who he supports he always says Blackpool due to his uncle. He loves his Blackpool replica top and loves our club colours too. My question is, at what age could I think about taking him to a game? He’s nearly 5 but seems too young at the moment. Over to the dads who’ll have a better idea than me….

Jimmy, we've taken our 4 year old grandson (from Warrington) to two home games this season and he really loved the experience. We sat in the south stand, where it's not too deafening for his little ears and he could see the north in all its glory - he was mesmerised.
We went in the club shop, where we bought him a new shirt & a match programme, and he then had his pictures taken with Sir Jimmy and Stan's statues. He met Bloomfield Bear (he's always brilliant with the kids) at both games and we took pictures. All the items from the day have gone into his 'memories box'.
He's learnt & sings the BFC songs - on the way to school he was singing and a road worker joined in, replacing the words with Swindon
Your nephew will be fine at 5 & once he's been, he'll always be a Seasider

 

[dodgy_surname]

First play off final, three lads 5 7 9, cracking day out. Tangerine army ️

 

[Tangerinetan]

Took my daughter in scratching shed when she was four she loved it, still does. She even called g.son Matthew Stanley! However took Matthew at four n he slept most of match. Kids cope with most things.Agree that you’ll miss a lot of game explaining what’s going on. Start him young he,ll be the one to tell u if he wants to go again.

 

[Levi501]

Our Granddaughter is 4 on Boxing Day so hoping to take her in the New year, fourth generation! Her mum (our daughter) is a Pool fanatic but has to work every Saturday, whilst her husband is a bonafide scouse Liverpool fan! So we have to act fast.
Lovely thread btw

 

[Doc]

My eldest was 6 when I started taking him and my youngest was 7.
We still always start by having fish and chips at Yorkshire Fisheries or the chippy near the ground a few doors down from the Old Bridge pub.
Plenty of sweets when they were little when they were little.
Good look.and turn him into a Seasider. It's up to you to make it a happy exciting experience.

 

[1966_and_all_that]

The transition between infants and juniors (start of year 3) matches the time when children's cognitive development extends to the retention and processing of information about events happening around them that don't directly involve them. It's not the same for all children and many will still require direct interaction to keep them occupied. However, moving from 6 to 7 years of age is a big step and would be an ideal time to test their interest. I would also recommend choosing a day with good weather and certainly not a night match as a starting point.

 

[Curryman]

My first game with my dad was when I was 6 (1954) away at Bolton and I spent a lot of time watching the trains going past the ground. You'll probably find that he will only watch about 10% of the game, but it's a start.

 

[Novelli86]

I took my football mad niece at 7 years old and she was bored off her head.

I chanced it with my 5 year old boy who at the time wasn't massively into football, at Accrington away after the club was taken off the odious ones and he absolutely loved it and we haven't looked back since.

Each kid is different. Go in the family stand and see how it goes. If they don't like it, it's only £4 lost

 

[Davepick]

Take him soon, teach him to say to his parents, 'You can stuff effing Liverpool'.

 

[Tangerine WAFU]

I took my 5yr old nephew to the league Cup game with Boro were he was interested in the game for 60-70 mins. He was a little anxious at first due to the amount of people there and the attendance of the police, but was ok for the rest of the time. With the current policing issues we're having I think I'll leave it a while until he comes back, don't want to put him off going in the future but I think he's picked his team for life.

 

[King Billy]

Took my lad when he was 6 and he’s been ever since (he’s 8 now) and he absolutely loves it. Studying the league table all the time and working out what happens when we win etc.
Part of it is the atmosphere, best place is block E and F where you get the atmosphere and a clear view of the game without people standing in front of him.
It’s down to you to make sure he enjoys it. In his first game especially spend time talking to him a lot explaining everything and asking for his opinion on things that are happening, do you think that was a free kick etc.
Take plenty of sweets and drinks and good luck turning him into a Seasider.

 

[Josuah98]

Good time to take him, as he will have limited concentration on the footie, but will love watching the crowd.

 

[DwayneShadow]

I took my 6 and 8 year old to the Sheffield Utd. The youngest was bored and wanted to home after 30 minutes, he ended up playing games on my phone for the rest of the match, ironically the one that kept his attention the longest was a football game