TOPIC: First timer

O wise ones,
Delighted am I that my 8 year old nephew has asked me to take him to his first ever Carlisle game. I'm genuinely looking forward to showing him around the ground and introducing him to league football.
The thought I have though, is where in the ground to take him to give him the best chance of 1. Seeing the game (he's only wee) 2. Having an experience he'll remember?
He's decided he wants to sit. Fair enough says I, I ain't gonna force the lad to stand if he doesn't want to. So for those of you who take kids to the game, especially for their first, where would you recommend?
I've never taken a kid to a game before, so I'd be genuinely interested to hear your honest opinions.

Definitely the East Stand mate, it now has the Family Fun Zone, which you can only access from inside the East Stand, therefore you'll need a ticket from that area of the ground. Your nephew will be able to interact with other young fans before the game, meet some of the players etc. It's also open at half-time to give them something to do during the 15 minute break.

Recent article:
www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/article/fu...aturday-2779459.aspx

Definitely take him in the East stand. Remember to take his Nintendo DS or iphone in case he gets bored... my 7 year old nephew did. It's a long time for them to concentrate on the game, especially first time.

I'll third that. Not too high up though otherwise you can feel a bit detached from things which will raise his boredom levels - near enough the pitch to get the atmosphere but not so near it increases his chances of getting a ball in the mush!

A lot of good points made re taking something to occupy him and giving the family zone a go. My grandchildren always went to the East Stand despite parents previously being in the paddock or wre.

Another thing to take for him is a baseball cap because if the sun shines (I know a rare event and over by half time) you are looking into the sun from there..

I went to my 1st game at 8 years old... my attention was fully engaged on the pitch for 90 mins... not fussed about owt else .. my granda took me to watch a game..

Just saying like

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markredfox73 wrote:
Do you want a medal Mark?

My son asked for a season ticket for the first time this year (he is 7), again I was slightly worried 90mins may be too much on a cold wet Tuesday night or Saturday afternoon when his mates wanted to play.

Season Ticket in the east stand is holding up great though!!!

Advice I'd give would be
1. Get into the family funzone at 2.00-2.15ish and embrace the cheesy-ness, get programme signed & photo's with players (as well as a shot on the x-box)
2. Take lots of treats...if enthusiasm begins to wane rock out a pocket full of sweets!!
3. Make him feel like one of the guys, (not condoning under age drinking) but whilst I stand having a beer I get him a lemonade in a pint glass (That's his beer.......Your meant to be his cool uncle!!!!....make him feel like a footy fan not just a kid)
4. Buy him a golden gamble or ask him to pick a player he thinks will score and have a couple of 50p bets to keep him locked on the game - I end up paying out whatever the result tho
5. Get a burger/or hotdog (Aren't great I know but's he's 8 ...its a treat day for him)

Ultimately yes I lot hinges on the footy but I've learned over the past few months...what he goes home and tells his Mum is usually 20% about the footy but 80% of his day...what he has done, eaten, laughed at etc

I take my 8yo into the Paddock and when we are attacking the WRE we go behind the goal. He cant wait for us to attack the Warwick.

Northumbrian wrote:
Take his Nintendo DS or iPhone, incase YOU get bored...

markredfox73 wrote: to be fair there was a lot less additional entertainment to bring with you in the '50's... a colouring book was about your only option.

If you're taking something to occupy the boy avoid the main stand... Last thing you want is Pattison telling him "if you don't like it f*ck off" and Jenkins telling him "get behind the club you c*nt"

Serious note the kids zone in the east is excellent... Took my nephew a couple of games ago and he loved it. Plenty to do to keep them occupied.

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated. Handily, the game we're going to (Crawley) is now reduced price tickets. Bingo.

Have to agree, it's great seeing the players messing around every home game, handing out presents etc.

Anyway enough about the first 15 minutes on the pitch, the Family Fun Zone is good too.

Well today was the first timer's first time!
As suggested, we went in East Stand, spent some time in the family zone which he enjoyed - he really embraced it. He brought his iPhone and was busy taking pics and videos before the game but it then stayed firmly in his pocket for the entire match! Other than being cold, he said he really enjoyed it. Winning helps too.
Thanks again for all the advice.

Well sounds like we have a new fan (poor bugger, you should be made to talk to Esther Rantzen )

Might take my nephews when Im in Carlisle over xmas. What section is the East Stand is the family zone and what is actually there?

It was 2 of mine 1st time today also. One is a convert one is still a liverpool fan Lol

Urban Designer wrote:
No particular section seating wise, it's accessed via the concourse. Video games, table football, games and things to do.

kellsblue wrote:
He's 8 and he's got an Iphone ?

Happyblue wrote:
My thought as well.

Happyblue wrote:
Got his dad's old one for his 9th birthday a couple of weeks back. Mad eh.

Great stuff. Another blue! Poor lad's got some pain to come.

Think my 1st match was a 4-1 defeat to Doncaster.

My old man made me a little stool to use at the front of the scratchers ( or use to batter any away fans with ?)

Kids these days don't know they're born...