The Football I Want My Kids to Grow Up With.

I was recently lucky enough to become a father for the second time. My eldest is five and regularly goes to football matches. Watching him fall in love with football has made me think about the game I grew up with, and the version of it I want him, and his little sister, to inherit.

There’s so much about football culture I hope never changes. I want them to experience the noise, passion, friendships, ridiculous optimism before kick-off and completely disproportionate misery after a defeat. I want football to give them the same sense of belonging it’s given me.

However, there are a few things I’d happily leave behind.

Growing up, certain words, chants and attitudes were dismissed as “banter”. Most of us probably didn’t give them a second thought. We know better now. And when children come to football, I can promise you they’re listening. They’re learning from us what being a football supporter looks like and, more importantly, who gets to belong.

I’m not looking for a sanitised version of football. I still want it loud, tribal and completely ridiculous. I just don’t think anyone needs to feel unwelcome for that to happen.

Hopefully, when my kids are older, “football is for everyone” will sound like the most obvious statement in the world.

Rainbow Blades member - Matty