Ah football, it's just one of those things that brings people together in our fair, sweet country, and there's nothing quite like watching your little ones run around having the time of their life at those Saturday matches…
There are the warm sunny mornings (occasionally), quality family time (when you finally manage to wrestle your family team into the car), the sense of achievement from your child (or tantrums, depending on how the match goes), the benefits of physical exercise (hello early bedtime), oh, and other parents. Beware the other parents. They're not like you.
We all know the type, they're the shouters and the strategists, and they're there at every game. You usually catch yourself hoping they're not analyising you in the same way you're analayisng them. And aside from the loud ones there are also those parents who turn up ready to take picnicking to a whole new level with all sorts of fancy gear. Where do you even buy director's chairs we wonder?
Just remember, if you don't recognise one of these parental descriptions, we hate to be the bearer of bad news but you're probably one of them…
If you think we've missed a key player off the list then let us know on our Facebook page or in the comments below and we'll add it in.
Without further ado, here's a quick rundown of the 11 types of football parents you'll find at every kids' match, up and down the land.
No. 1: The Rule Challenger
No. 2: The Negative Spectator
No. 3: The Coach-Rent
No. 4: The Constantly Concerned Carer
No. 5: The (ever so slightly) Agressive Guardian
No. 6: The Referee
No. 7: The Parent Player
No. 8: The Pitch-Prince(ss)
No. 9: The Silent-Strategist
No. 10: The Cool-Car-Owner
No. 11: The Enthusiastic-Amateur
Recognise one or two of these descriptions? Do you and your friends share the same football parenting traits and stick together, or are you a gang made up of a few of the descriptions above? Let your friends know which of these you think they are... just don't blame us when they return the favour!
-
Baby name trends for 2025 leave us baffled (but secretly liking them - hi there Elio and Circe)The coming year could see some seriously cool and also incredibly wacky baby names doing the rounds, according to experts in the field.
-
6 early signs your child could have dyslexia, according to expertsEducation experts have identified six early indicators of dyslexia, and strategies to support your child if they receive a diagnosis.
-
179 fantastic facts for kids to really blow their mind - from sharks and cats to space and tornadoesDazzle and amaze little ones with these mind-blowing facts… They’re so good they’ll leave grown-ups speechless too!
-
28 Christmas traditions to try with your family this yearFrom secret Santa footprints to candy canes grown in a VERY special way, here are our favourite ways to add little extra magic to Christmas - from December 1st to the big day!
-
1st birthday party ideas that are fun, easy and budget-friendlyIt's your little one's 1st birthday but what do you do, here are some ideas on who to invite, where to go, what to bake and how you can enjoy your baby's big day
-
Six of the best plants to grow with kidsLooking for the best plants to grow with kids? Sowing a seed in earth is like magic. And the reward of watching a seedling push its head into the sunlight is a thrill for all ages.
-
How to make knitted buntingThis cute knitted bunting pattern is so easy to make the kids can help, and they can pick the colours, too!
-
Mother's Day crafts for kidsThese Mother's Day cards, 'I owe you' vouchers and gorgeous body scrub jars are easy for kids to make and you'll love them, too
-
27 hilarious kids' drawings that WON'T be going on the fridgeWarning: may cause actual tears of laughter...
-
15 amazing 90s game shows that we all loved!When you're at the checkout, and you hear the beep...
