Going to a game is an important event for any football fan. Whether it’s a home or away game, there are still some things that you should bring with you. Football kits refer to both the ones that the players wear, but also the ones that fans bring to games. And while it’s true that a match is only about 90 minutes, for fans, the whole day is reserved for that game. You cannot enjoy the game if you realize in the middle of it that you forgot something important at home. This article can work as a guide that you want to check before going to any game.

 

Match Day Essentials

 

As with any trip, there are a few essentials that you should bring with you. It doesn’t matter if the match day is in your hometown or in another country, these are the things that you should never forget. First and foremost, your ticket. The physical or digital match ticket should be with you when you leave the house. Double-check if you put the physical ticket in your baggage. And if it’s a digital pass, ensure that your phone is charged. While at this, make sure that you have your ID with you. Also put some cash in your wallet, as many food stalls that you’ll find around the stadium don’t take cards.

 

It might sound silly to you that we are mentioning this, but make sure that you have your phone before leaving. Because of the excitement and hurry you might forget important things. That’s why you want to pack everything the night before. Other things that you might forget because you are hurrying are:

 

  • Phone charger
  • Keys
  • Medication (for headache, allergies, or stomach pain). Here’s a list of medications you should have with you when traveling!

 

Clothing and Feeding

 

To put it simply, you need to be ready for the weather and be comfortable. You would be surprised how many people go to a game without wearing the colours of the team they are supporting. And while this is not obligatory, it’s an unwritten rule for fans to create their own football kits when attending games. Wear something comfortable and weather-appropriate in the colours of your team. You should also be careful, as there are areas where it’s not advisable to walk around wearing football team colours. Rivals can sometimes be violent, especially if their team lost. This kind of behaviour is called football hooliganism and it’s serious!

 

You should wear clothes that won’t make the weather feel horrible. You don’t want to be sweating too much, or being too cold. And while you are thinking of your outfit, remember to wear sneakers or trainers. You will probably spend a lot of time standing in lines, or just standing to better see the game. When watching football, you want to jump and cheer and have fun, and a sporty pair of shoes is the best pick. The way that you dress can make or break the game experience.

 

All football kits should include some snacks! Bring a reusable water bottle with you, because you surely want to be hydrated for the whole game. Moreover, you want to have some snacks. You can bring some granola bars or a sandwich. You want something that’s easy to eat, while still giving you some energy. As mentioned, there are usually a lot of food stalls around the stadium, but you might not like any option, or the line might be too long. It might not seem important when you live at home, because you think that you’ll find snacks there. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

Football Home Kit Basics

 

It’s easier to attend a game that’s closer to your home. You know where the stadium is, you know where every good restaurant is, and you can sleep at your own house. There are many advantages when the game is close to your home. You can pack lightly, and only need to worry about the essentials mentioned before. Grab your wallet, your ticket, and a scarf in the colour of your favourite team and head to the game. Remember to have fun and to take some nice pictures! The home games carry a sense of melancholy that not many things do. If there is a game somewhere close to your home, you should go even if you are not a football fan. And, if you have a young kid in your life, buy them a kids’ kit and get them to that game!

 

The ABCs of the Football Away Kit

 

As you can probably tell, the away games complicate your baggage a little bit. First of all, you need to travel, so you need to sleep somewhere. Make sure that you have your bookkeeping information and all confirmation emails handy. Take a travel pillow and some headphones with you. Travelling long distances can be stressful and tiring, no matter what kind of transportation you take. Moreover, remember to check your bag for all of the things mentioned before. You need your house keys, a wallet full of cash, and some clothes. You want to bring with you at least one more outfit that you think you need. Accidents can happen, and you want to be ready.

 

Away Etiquette

 

Although it was slightly mentioned before, fan away etiquette is important. Respect for the locals and their traditions should be present in all football kits. Some towns or pubs aren’t very friendly with away fans dressed in visible team gear. Be respectful and don’t wear any gear when walking around the town. If you are in Manchester, sticking to neutral clothing is the best thing you can do. Try to interact nicely with everyone that you meet, and avoid any kind of confrontation. You are a guest in their home, so behave accordingly.  Therefore, make sure that you make a list with everything that you need, and that you check it before you leave. And, most importantly, cheer loud and respect the crowd!