I had a truly wonderful experience recently.
A couple of weeks ago, my 9 year old son (Fionn) and I (who are fans of Norwich City) went to watch the away game at Liverpool’s Anfield. When I first knew (back in August) that we would be attending many away games this season, I let my Twitter followers know. Almost immediately, teacher and Liverpool fan, Pete Rafferty (@raff31) replied saying that I must park at his house and accompany him to the game. I have met Pete a couple of times and follow him on Twitter. I know him to be a good guy. I was delighted.
A week before the game, I confirmed the details with Pete and he shared his address and further details for the Saturday evening game.
When the big day arrived, I made a final confirmation with Pete and Fionn and I set off. On arrival at Pete’s, we were made incredibly welcome by Pete, his wife Gill, son Steve (@stevie_raff) and Steve’s girlfriend Lois (@loishonora). This, in itself was lovely. There was some friendly pre-match banter and Fionn was asked to predict the score and which Norwich players should be looked out for.
Fionn liked this.
Soon after we arrived, our transport to the game showed up in the form of Tony Boyham (@tboyham) and his son Matthew (@mboyham). We headed into Liverpool. Tony and Matthew made sure we continued to feel welcome and also engaged Fionn in friendly, pre-match speculation.
We parked up in their usual spot – inhabited by ‘reliable’ yoofs prepared to ensure no harm comes to your car for a nominal fee. We then walked to the ground. Together.
I liked this walking to the ground bit.
Fionn and I have been to many, many away fixtures with Norwich City recently and, although I feel fairly insulated by having a small(ish) boy with me, I always feel slightly nervous amongst large quantities of (obviously passionate) footie fans. Well, to approach Anfield on foot with Pete, Tony, and Matthew could not have been a better build up to a game. Fionn and I were party to stories of the history of Liverpool FC, Anfield, anecdotes, accounts of big nights etc. We were shown where we needed to go and arrangements were made for rendezvous after the game. The result of the match is immaterial because the process was exactly the same post-match. We met with our friendly hosts at the appointed place and flooded away from the ground in the comfort and companionship of fellow fans (colours didn’t seem to matter). In the car, the game was dissected and discussed and a small boy’s views were heard and valued.
The night ended with hand-shakes, warmth and fellowship despite the rivalry that underpinned the day. (Read on below the picture – not much more).
All of this was a very good thing. A good thing that I hope my son will take away and value.
This should happen more often. This is surely what sport should be about. How can we make this happen? A hashtag? #takeanawayfantothegame? I know that, for Fionn, this was the best game of the season so far. Was that because of what happened on the pitch or what happened off the pitch? Who knows?
I’ll be looking out for opportunities like this one in the future. Any Aston Villa fans out there want to take me and Fionn to Villa Park next week? Or Manchester City on 3rd December. Everton 17th December? (You have a hard act to follow and I now know where to park!). Or any Norwich away game for that matter? We’re nice. Promise.
PS On the way home, we had a full, frank discussion about the Hillsborough disaster. Another very important bit of learning for a young fan.
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