Footy and Family

Eels vs Tigers, 21 April 2014

When I lived in Sydney, I was a mad Parramatta Eels fan. I don't remember when we started attending games but I had a friend whose Dad used to take us both. We'd hang around the dressing rooms and collect autographs and watch the game, screaming and cheering madly. I made a flag in blue and yellow fabric squares (4 of them) and stuck it on some dowel. When I was working, I bought a jersey. Oh, they were fabulous days. When we were over 18, we were allowed to catch the supporter's bus (or public transport) to other grounds. We made a pact to get to every ground and we did - this was before the expansion and there was only 1 home ground per team.

My husband's a league fan too, so after I met him, we started going to the Grand Final each year. It was a 6 hour drive from Condo for the footy, but we'd make a weekend of it and stay with my Dad. Didn't matter what teams were playing, we went - and always cheered for opposite teams!

The Game, 21st April 2014

I can't tell you the last time I went to a club game, but it would have to be about 1990, before I left Sydney.

Just recently, my nephew, who is 6 and lives in Sydney, had a visit to his school from the Wests Tigers players. I don't know what they said or did, but he became a die-hard fan. His parents aren't into sport at all. When my sister mentioned this strange thing, I said, "I'll take him to a game."

Would you believe, my Eels were playing his Tigers in only a few weeks - Easter Monday. Then the Eels (it was their home game) had cheap tickets - $20 for a family, 2 adults and 4 kids. I bought them. It was the cost of the usual 1 adult ticket.

Eels mascot in female form

And we went!

My nephew was totally overwhelmed and so in awe for such a time... but then he got into it. He was studying the game intensely on the big screen and live. He asked questions (I'd been giving him a bit of a rundown on what was happening). He jumped and cheered.

And then his team beat mine :(

It was an incredible day. A usual home game has about 15 000 people. This game - 50 668 people! A grand final has about 80 000 people. So it was a huge crowd. No wonder the poor kid was overwhelmed!

Makes me think about those cheap tickets. Is rugby league overpriced and so stopping fans attending the game? It sure looks that way.

Will I take my nephew again? I'd love to! So long as the Eels win next time :)

Are you a footy fan?