It will be fine!
I still remember my first-ever game, that my Dad took me to, standing on the East Terrace at the Goldstone as a nine-year old and being an innocently interested observer as the police ejected someone near us for being drunk and abusive even before KO. I'd never seen anything like that before, but somehow I've managed to grow up untraumatised by it
Likewise I myself took my 9 and 5 years old to their first-ever game just the other day, against Everton. I'd worried a bit about them – overhearing proper swearing for the first time, being frightened by the crush getting on and off the train, and so on – but it was all completely misplaced. They had a fantastic time – in the end, the 5 year old's biggest problem of the whole day was what kind of mascot to choose in the club shop.
Kids aren't always as sensitive as we worry they may be: Poppy will undoubtedly have a fantastic day, and even if there's the odd bit of colourful language or so, it will just wash off her.
It's a proud moment, whether you're a parent, granddad or uncle or whatever – enjoy it, and don't stress!
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Bobkin Jnr's first game was that 3-1 defeat against Watford years ago. It didn't put him off....This could be a “woe is me” moment or a football triumph in my Albion supporting days. I will elaborate :
It will be my granddaughter Poppy’s seventh birthday this week and she has decided that her number one birthday request is for me, “Gumps”, to take her to a Brighton football game - following in her elder brother’s footsteps. Not content with the usual kids’ initiation of being plonked in the Family section of the East Stand
Well her wish is being granted. I have selected the Watford game on the 2nd February for my moment in heaven or hell. She will be proudly decked out in her Albion replica shirt with Poppy and 7 printed on the back.
I am now consumed with mixed emotions of anticipation and dread at how this day is going to pan out. If anyone has got words of comfort and advice for me to cling onto please let me know. Cheers, Gumps!
This could be a “woe is me” moment or a football triumph in my Albion supporting days. I will elaborate :
It will be my granddaughter Poppy’s seventh birthday this week and she has decided that her number one birthday request is for me, “Gumps”, to take her to a Brighton football game - following in her elder brother’s footsteps. Not content with the usual kids’ initiation of being plonked in the Family section of the East Stand
Well her wish is being granted. I have selected the Watford game on the 2nd February for my moment in heaven or hell. She will be proudly decked out in her Albion replica shirt with Poppy and 7 printed on the back.
I am now consumed with mixed emotions of anticipation and dread at how this day is going to pan out. If anyone has got words of comfort and advice for me to cling onto please let me know. Cheers, Gumps!
My Brother-in-Law refuses to take his 12 and 8 year olds to the Amex because of "all the swearing"... I've offered him tickets a few times as both his kids are football mad and play for teams themselves.
"No" he said.. "I don't want them hearing any language like that..."
I then walked past their bedroom the next week and heard one say to the other "give me that.. now... you little c*nt..."
Kids hear this at school, online, and in the street. They're not going to melt when they hear it on the terraces. Just explain to Poppy that they're grown ups, some drink too much drink beer which makes them a bit silly, and it's okay to hear it as long as she doesn't repeat it.
Have a great time with her!
