How To Do Matchday Right (No Matter Who You Are With)

Football isn't always just about the 90 minutes on the pitch, it's about the experience, the energy, and who you are sharing it with. Are you going solo, bringing friends who've never been to a match, or taking the whole family? Because let's be real, the experience changes depending on who you’re going with. 

No matter your squad, there’s a way to level up the experience. Here’s how to make the most out of matchday, whether you’re flying solo, introducing newbies to the game, or turning it into a full family outing. 

Going Solo 

Going to a football game on your own is anything but lonely. You’re surrounded by people there for the same reason as you, and the sense of community and togetherness is huge. I’ve been to plenty of games solo, whether it's to watch my team or just a good match, and honestly, nobody cares that you’re by yourself. If anything, people are friendly, and you might find yourself chatting with strangers around you. Singing chants alone can feel a bit tricky, but hey, that's on my personal ‘skills to improve’ list. 

There are some solo perks too. You can arrive and leave exactly when you want; hang around for warm-ups or duck out early to skip travel rush. Smaller stadiums with unassigned seating? Jackpot. There’s always a single empty chair waiting for you. And being alone means you can watch the game in a bit more detail, taking in the tactics and play without distraction. 

Some tips to make the experience even better: try the food! It’s a great way to break up the awkward moments and just enjoy yourself. One solo game I went to was Spurs v Man United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and I treated myself to club-level seats - way posher than I imagined and honestly a little reward for going alone. Little things like that can make the day feel extra special. 

Don’t skip a match because your friends can't make it, and don't let nerves stop you from booking a ticket. Go for it, and I guarantee you’ll have a fun time, even if your team doesn't win. 

Going With Friends New To Football 

Introducing someone to football for the first time is all about showing the full experience - your matchday rituals, the energy, and any extra magic along the way. The goal is to soft launch them into football, so they fall in love with the game the way you did. 

Give yourself time to soak in the pre-match atmosphere. Grab a pint at the pub if thats your vibe, or show your friends around the stadium. Being in your seats early means they can experience the match build-up in full; chants, music, fireworks. 

Clubs often run fun activations, like @GracieDoGood’s temporary tattoos at the Emirates. I bought a friend to their first game last February for the North London Derby, and those pre-match tattoos were a must. It’s little things like this that make the day feel special and immersive. 

Bring a spare piece of merch for them to wear so they feel part of it. Scarfs are always a winner, and seeing them waved in the stands in an iconic part of football culture. 

The fixture itself can make or break a first time experience. Opt for a blockbuster clash and seats in the lower tier, think Manchester United or North London Derby. These are the edge-of-your-seat games that hook people in and give them the full intensity of football fandom. Plus, a win makes everything better, so a little side of manifestation can't hurt. 

After the final whistle, head to the local pub. Football culture in the UK is inseparable from post-match pubs, full of chants, and fans celebrating together. Even if you're not drinking, soaking up the atmosphere is essential.

Bonus Tip: Throughout the game, help your friends make sense of it all. Explain the rules, translate the chants, and give little insights into the players. Your enthusiasm and knowledge will help them feel included and make the experience much more fun. 

Going With Family

Taking the family to a football game can be just as exciting (and sometimes trickier) than going solo or with friends. The key is planning ahead to make sure everyone has a good time.

Lots of stadiums have family-friendly areas, depending on the age of your crew. I took my mum to her first Lionesses game at Wembley, and as someone who usually prides herself on the best seats in the house… I missed the ticket release and totally forgot she’s scared of heights. She spent the whole game clutching the armrest for an entirely different reason. Next time, we went to the Emirates, right behind the benches, much safer and fully mum-approved. Tip: if your parents or older relatives are anything like mine, opt for a seat that feels secure and comfortable.

Stadium food is great, but it can get pricey. Many stadiums allow you to bring your own snacks, so do a little research and prep ahead. Premade food, sandwiches, and small snacks are a lifesaver, plus no one likes a hangry parent or kid mid-match.

If you’ve got a bigger family going, tickets are often easier to manage if they’re all on one phone. This way, you can usher everyone in without faffing around at the gate. Traffic after the match can be hectic, so either linger a little to let everyone stick together, or plan to leave early if you need to get the whole family home safely. Quick one: If kids are coming, games can feel overwhelming. Point out the stadium ushers or staff show the kids what they look like so they know who to go to if they ever need help.

Again, for first-timers, bring them a scarf or a little piece of merch, and fill them in on the basic rules, chants, and the fun traditions. Many stadiums have fan zones and activations perfect for kids, with games, challenges, and activities that get everyone hyped before kick-off.

With a little prep and some insider tips, a family day at the football can be just as memorable as a solo adventure. 

Wrap Up Your Perfect Day

No matter how you go to a game, flying solo, bringing a mate new to football, or taking the whole family, there’s always a way to make the experience yours. Plan a little, bring a snack or two, soak up the atmosphere, and don’t be afraid to get stuck into the chants (even if it’s just from afar). Football is as much about the people you share it with as it is about the action on the pitch, and the memories you make off it are just as important.

So pick your squad, pack your essentials, and get ready to make every matchday a little adventure, because whether you’re there for the football, the vibes, or just a good day out, it’s going to be one to remember.