13 things every football mad family knows
Juliet Blank
Associate EditorFooty fever is finally upon us as Euro 2020 kicks off but, if you're a football mad family, the fever remains all year round. In fact, it kind of takes over! Here's what life is like when you're a football-obsessed household ...
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If you've been counting down the days to the Euros starting, ever since they were put on hold thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, you'll be about to BURST with excitement as they finally kick off.
It's been a long old wait to see England, Wales and Scotland compete and, even if you're not a footy fan, there's nothing quite like seeing your country play in a big old tournament to bring us together.
And let's face it, we could all do with a bit of unity and celebration right now!
So in honour of the Euros hitting our screens and stadiums, here's a tongue-in-cheek look at what every football-mad family knows, including how life revolves around the beautiful game and NOT the other way round ...
1. Winning matters
Yes, we all know the phrases 'it's about the taking part, not the winning'. It's absolutely about the winning. Those three points are EVERYTHING!
2. Seeing the kids play is amazing
And slightly heart-wrenching at the same time. If they get fouled and cry, you want to run on the pitch and scoop them up ... but that would be embarrassing for them.
If they score a goal, it's amazing. If they miss a pen, they'll be inconsolable ... and that's everyone in a bad mood for the rest of the day.
3. Football kits are expensive
You get excited when they're babies and toddlers dressing them in cute kits and then boom, they reach the age of seven and kits become really expensive. Like, really.
4. So are the boots
When they're still little, trainers are still fine for football but when they get old enough to want or need astro turf boots, it's time to take a trip to the sports shop where you just know they'll want the mega-pricey Nike ones Rashford wears. Sigh.
5. Football prioritises everything
If there's a match on TV or your kid's training session is on, everything revolves around this. Party at the same time, sorry no-can-do. England playing but your MiL fancies seeing the grandkids ... er, they'll be glued to the TV.
6. Astro turf dots get everywhere
You get used to hoovering up the black dots from astro turf pitches that cover your floors once your child comes home and stomps around in their boots, despite you saying 'SHOES OFF' the minute they're home.
7. Nothing gets rid of grass stains
You've tried everything but given up!
In fact, you've now got a stash of grass-stained tracky bottoms ready to put the kids in to play football in.
8. You always keep a football in the car
And a mini one in your handbag, too.
Where there's a green space, there's always football to be played.
9. Football cards cost you a fortune
Match Attax, Adrenalyn or Panini stickers are a great pocket money treat but they do start mounting up! In fact, last season you realise you probably spent more on them than your food shop. Eek.
10. A duvet coat is a must
As a parent with football-loving or football-playing kids, standing outside in all weathers becomes the norm.
From freezing cold winters to rainy Sundays, the match goes on regardless.
You've gradually learnt your lesson and invested in the world's ugliest but longest, warmest coat you could possibly find. It may look bad but who cares if it keeps you warm/dry/sheltered ... and we'll bet the other shivering parents on the sideline are well-jel.
11. True love is your kid supporting YOUR team
... over your other half's!
Split households are never easy when it comes to football and who supports who. But you carried them in your womb for nine months, the least they can do is show some loyalty to your team, right?
12. Football isn't a man's game
The world is finally changing, albeit slowly, when it comes to women's presence in football.
Most kids' football training companies are offering girls' sessions and almost all football TV coverage has female pundits like Alex Scott or commentators like Lucy Ward. There's room for improvement but it's getting there!
Find your local football clubs for kids here.
13. Four years is a long time to wait
... make it five, thanks to the pandemic postponing the Euros for a whole year. Hey, at least that means the World Cup is on next year and we can do it all over again!
Want to celebrate the Euros in style? We love this colourful bunting that features the flags of all the countries taking part. See more details here at Amazon.
Are you looking forward to the Euros? Chat about football in our forum below ...
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