The Mama Perspective

Football has always been around in our family. My husband is a huge football fan, and our eldest has naturally picked up on that enthusiasm. At just five years old, he already has his own favourite team, knows far more about football than I expected him to at this age, and gets genuinely excited about watching and talking about the game.

For my husband and eldest son, football isn’t just about sitting down to watch a match. It’s become something they can enjoy together as daddy and son.

Starting football training

Our eldest has also been going to football training for over a year now, and it’s been lovely watching his confidence grow.

At first, it was simply about getting involved, running around and having fun. Over time, he’s started to understand more about the game, develop his skills and become more confident playing alongside other children.

At five, I’m very conscious that it should stay fun. There is plenty of time for competition and ambition later but for anyone that knows Freddy, you won’t be surprised to hear that he loves to be “the leader.” He always sets out to win!

Right now, I love seeing him enjoy being active, learning something new and feeling proud when he manages something he has been practising. It’s a bonus when he’s shown recognition and gets the trophy for Player of the Week.

Football training has also given him an opportunity to learn some of those little lessons that come with being part of a team – listening to instructions, taking turns, encouraging other children and understanding that you won’t always get everything right first time.

Football and family traditions

One of the nicest things about having a child who loves football is seeing the traditions that start to develop around it.

Whether it’s watching a match together, talking about players, kicking a ball around in the garden or getting excited about a big fixture, these little moments become part of family life.

Manchester United is particularly significant for our family. My husband and eldest son are both United fans, and I actually had my first job at Manchester United, so the club has been part of our family story in different ways.

It means that football isn’t simply something my son has discovered on his own. It’s something that connects different generations and gives us something to share.

I even remember when I was younger and my grandad “switched” from a city fan to a Manchester United fan, so much so, he became a member and took my older brothers to watch the matches together.

Freddy and his daddy have matching football shirts and will wear them together when watching a game at home. Maybe one day they’ll make it to the stadium together! Freddy also has Manchester United pyjamas he loves to wear for bed and many things that are the colour red, of course.

Letting children find their own love of football

I think one of the most important things when raising a football-loving child is letting them enjoy the game in their own way.

At five, my son doesn’t need to understand every rule, know every player or care about the result. He just needs to enjoy kicking a ball, watching football and being part of a team. I love him cheering his team on when they practice scoring a goal and he says, “You can do it”

For me, that’s what these early years should be about – building happy memories, trying something new and discovering a love of the game without too much pressure.