Supporting National football events has become an increasingly popular indulgence for a great many people. Football, no longer the male dominated activity that it once was, is now important to many more of us. This is especially so during National championships.
Why is that? Football is regular; it happens every week, we can follow it alone or as part of a crowd, it is simply fun, it’s cheap – you can watch it on the TV.
In England we call football our National sport. This year in England, ever hopeful, we thought it might just be coming home! We chanted, used banners, hats, sang, hugged and finally cried – figuratively speaking. The English team did us proud. But it wasn’t to be. England were good, Spain was better. Such is the nature of competitions – we can only have one winner.
Football fans are familiar with the emotions that go with winning or losing a game – it’s all part of the chase for top place, or dread of relegation, in whichever league your team is in.
My football experiences began when I was very young. My Dad was a Wolves and Manchester United supporter. My overarching football memory is when, at 5pm every Saturday, we children had to be supremely quiet while the football pools were read out. Not a word was spoken without a very stern ‘be quiet!’ if you made any sound at all. Within my family now Match of the Day is rarely ever missed plus of course attendance at home games as often as possible.
The love of football remained with my dad throughout his life. Even during his final hours when, close to death, slipping in and out of consciousness he had a TV screen within view of his bed. As I sat with my brother, for several hours, waiting for those precious moments when Dad might register our presence he opened his eyes, looked at the screen where a game was showing and made one comment, ‘oh he’s bringing him out is he?’ His eyes closed again as he drifted back off to his slowing life.
As we age our disabilities restrict our access to the things that are important to us. We rely on the knowledge and insight of our care people to enable our living experiences. Enabling football is an easy activity that so many people can enjoy. All it needs is a little thoughtfulness from the care team.
Unlocking the store of football memories will reward you with tales of games, goals, players, colours, friends, travel to and from games, celebrations, friends, team songs and chants.
Keeping football alive for football fans is so important. Knowing when a game is on TV. Accessing information about whichever team your person supports. There is a wealth of merchandise and memorabilia to make available. Trips to local games. Visits from players to the care homes.
Can you bring it home for your football fans?
