Football isn’t just the hottest sport in the UK. Since its inception, it’s spread around the world, igniting the hearts of fans from every continent. But if you’re a fan of football and have never been to the UK, you’re missing out. Laden with football history and home to many iconic teams and players, it’s the ideal destination for a visit.
So, what should you expect?
In this article, we’ll explain five reasons you should visit the UK as a football fan.
- Meeting the local fans
Every team’s fanbase has a particular culture. And while you get rough sense of this on television, there’s nothing like experiencing it first-hand. Local UK fans experience so much pride and joy in being part of a larger football community. And sharing this love for the sport with fellow fans is one of the best parts of the game.
- Visiting your favourite stadiums
You’ve seen them hundreds of times from the comfort of your couch. But on a visit to the UK, you can visit your favourite stadiums in person. For example, Anfield stadium offers tours, on which you can see the pitch, walk through the tunnels, learn more about the history of the club, and buy memorabilia from beloved players like Virgil van Dijk. At the Etihad stadium, you can even get your picture taken with the Premier League trophy.
- Exploring football history
Football may be a global phenomenon now, but it wasn’t always that way. It’s been a long journey that’s left so many interesting stories along the way. And you can learn all about them when you visit the UK. For example, there’s The Freemasons Arms, a Victorian tavern where the English football Association laid out the rules of the sport in 1863. Or there’s the National Football Museum in Manchester, which celebrates the history of the entire sport.
- Watching the game in person
Witnessing the highs and lows of the game in person is always better. There’s something indescribable about the energy of the crowd that the tv will never be able to capture. Plus, there’s always more happening on the pitch than the cameras capture.
- Meeting your favourite players
When you attend a match in person, you get the chance to see the players in person. Whether you’re lucky enough to meet them or only get to glimpse them on the field, seeing iconic players in the flesh is an experience that’s worth the visit.
There are so many reasons to visit the UK as a football fan, ranging from visiting iconic stadiums to exploring the sport’s rich history. It’s an unforgettable experience you can’t quite get anywhere else. So, if you’re a fan of football, it’s well worth making a visit.