If you’re like millions of other Australians, your love for football most likely goes back as early as your teenage years when you played it in your free time and at school or when you dreamed of becoming a member of the Joeys.
Whether you cheer on the Socceroos or the Matildas (who says you can’t cheer for both?), “footy” season is a beloved season and tradition for young and old alike.
While you can always catch a televised match, but why not do something a little bit different when “footy” season rolls around again? Here are a few ideas to enhance your experience as a football fan:
Watch a Match at the Stadium
For some football fans, watching a match on the telly is just as good of a viewing experience than anything else, but watching a match in person can elevate your appreciation to the next level.
If you never played football at school with any level of seriousness, you aren’t likely to know the amount of energy, commitment, and swift footedness that goes into each and every match.
Seeing the A-League play up close and personal is likely to make you fall in love with the sport even more. Go alone, take a friend, or bring the whole family.
Host Your Own Football Game
Feel inspired after catching a match? Why not host your own? While you may not be as limber as you once were or you’re quite certain that your friendly opponents could outrun you and run circles around you, a friendly competition between friends and family is a great way to get in the spirit of the football season. Head to a local park, beach, or even play in the backyard. If you’re feeling really competitive, place bets against one another.
Fantasy Football
Speaking of betting and a little friendly competition. Get together with your mates and play fantasy football. Have you always dreamed of putting Ibrahim and Franjic on the same team?
With fantasy football, “footy” season can be whatever you want it to be. If you’re on a lucky streak, why not try your luck at sports betting? If you don’t know how to get started, check out online casino reviews to get expert advice and any other information you may need.
Join the Football Family
If you eat, sleep, and breath football season, becoming a member of the Football Family may be one of your best decisions yet. What does becoming a member mean? You will always be up to speed with football. When you sign up, you can choose to receive priority ticketing emails which give you access to pre-purchase windows for Socceroos and other exhibition matches.
You can follow Women’s Football and even receive e-newsletters from your favorite club, such as Perth Glory. So, while you’re not actually hosting a player in your home, you will have a closer connection than other football fans.
Become a Referee
If your days of playing are long behind you, refereeing is a great alternative to the best experience of all. Face it, every die hard fan has questioned a referee’s decision and thought, “I could do better than that!” Go ahead and give it a try.
All coursework needed to become a referee is accredited under the Australian Sports Commission’s National Officiating Accreditation Scheme. You will learn the Laws of the Game and take examinations. Once you have passed, you are qualified to be a football referee for four years (after that time, you can revalidate).