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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take a 5 year old to Wembley Stadium?

35 replies

Acunningruse · 09/03/2022 13:39

I am so torn on this so looking for advice!
My husband's football team are playing in a cup final at Wembley next month. He would love us all to go and see them play, and I would love that too...but in reality I'm not sure how 5yo DD will get on! Her older brother will be fine as been to lots of matches with DH but this would be DDs first. I know it would be a lot 'easier' without her there but it also seems unfair to leave her out of a once in a lifetime event.

I should also say we live in the north east so it all involves a hotel stay and 3h train journey each way.

YABU - a football match at Wembley is no place for a 5yo, just DH and DS go
YANBU- take snacks and go, she'll be fine

OP posts:
DetailMouse · 09/03/2022 13:48

Hartlepool playing at Wembley? Of course you've all got to go.

I'd probably try and get her to a smaller game beforehand. Take some snacks and something for her to do if she's bored. Accept you might have to spend some time walking up and down steps with her.

Out of interest, why doesn't she go to the regular games?

Snoopsnoggysnog · 09/03/2022 13:51

Totally fine

Abouttimemum · 09/03/2022 13:53

Hartlepool? Yeah defo take her for sure. She might get bored so take some entertainment or plan for one of you to take her for a walk to get snacks / look around (if you’re allowed now) if it gets tricky. But she’ll love the overall experience.

TheFutureIs · 09/03/2022 13:54

Definitely take her! What an experience, she'll always remember it!
My little one has been going to matches since she was weeks old and loves it all.
We took her to a Wembley match a few years ago and she still talks about "big football".
Few things to consider, snacks/sweeties help "let's have some sweets each time a goal is scored" helps keep focus on the game. Now she understands the game more she's enjoying it even more. Also, a Wembley crowd is LOUD! Ear defenders would be a sensible thing to take so she has them if she needs/wants them.

I hope you all have the most amazing day (and you get the result you want!)

Original poster
Acunningruse · 09/03/2022 13:56

Thanks for replying! My mum was horrified so good to know I'm not completely off base Smile
No it's the team that won last night on penalties! We live in the NE though so DH and DS go to the away games near us when they can but DD has an activity on a Saturday that this clashes with so she hasn't been yet.

Definitely need snacks and activities Football

OP posts:
nearlyspringyay · 09/03/2022 13:58

Hartelpool, fine. If it was Milwall, no way. Long day though assuming you are coming down from H. It will be loud, very loud so if you think she'd be ok with that then do it.

Mine first went to a womens game at Wembley when they were 4, they loved it, but the crowds were less at that time. They've regularly been to DH's London club since, the biggest problem is the toilets if I dont go.

DetailMouse · 09/03/2022 14:03

Oh I love this kind of support of small clubs.

I don't think this particular final will be that loud. They won't sell out and for many of those who do go it will be the first game they've seen all season and they'll be unfamiliar with the players. I've been to similar games at Wembley and whilst I wouldn't miss it for the world, the atmosphere isn't what you'd imagine it to be.

TinaYouFatLard · 09/03/2022 14:08

I don’t know what the atmosphere will be like at this particular final, but after taking the kids to the Euro final at Wembley, I vowed never again.

We are very regular at our premier league club matches so are used to the usual football related behaviour, but this was something else.

girlmom21 · 09/03/2022 14:12

Yeah go OP. All of you together!
If it was Millwall I'd say no but you'll be fine.

girlmom21 · 09/03/2022 14:13

@TinaYouFatLard

I don’t know what the atmosphere will be like at this particular final, but after taking the kids to the Euro final at Wembley, I vowed never again.

We are very regular at our premier league club matches so are used to the usual football related behaviour, but this was something else.

People who attend international finals act like wannabe hooligans.

People supporting local teams know their own clubs will be punished for bad behaviour.

TheTurn0fTheScrew · 09/03/2022 14:14

bring her. I'd stay in one of the two Premier Inns in Wembley the night before, so that you are local and can leave it as late as possible before bring her into the ground (obviously still allowing time for bag checks etc). Bring snacks, move around at half time (head for the concourse 5-10 mins early if you can bear to miss a few minutes), get a programme and make active attempts to engage her during the game. teach her the songs before you go. Not all of them, necessarily Wink.

DetailMouse · 09/03/2022 14:16

@girlmom21

Yeah go OP. All of you together! If it was Millwall I'd say no but you'll be fine.
I've taken young children to Millwall as an away supporter. It was fine, stewarding there is excellent and it's not difficult to stay away from trouble if you're not looking for it.
Sirzy · 09/03/2022 14:16

For a local team I would unless she completely hates football!

FleeceNavidadFromTheSheep · 09/03/2022 14:18

Definitely go. Mine (grown up now) are seasoned team and England supporters and have been to Wembley a lot.
Be sure to take in the walk up Wembley Way.
Take cash for a match day scarf each, for the DC to wave.

The stadium is quite daunting inside with the escalators, so take a child each and keep hold of them.

The other thing is security and bags - check the match requirements because you won't be able to take much in and there are specific rules around bottles. Stick spare bottle tops in your pocket.

DH has a special transparent backpack for matches, so that may be a must-have.

FleeceNavidadFromTheSheep · 09/03/2022 14:20

Also plan your route to and from the stadium, The transport links are well organised and stewarded but queues can be very long. We usually walk back to the high street for something to eat and let the crowds die down.

DetailMouse · 09/03/2022 14:22

I'm not sure it's fair to inflict Sutton Utd supporterdom on children growing up in the NE mind Grin

girlmom21 · 09/03/2022 14:22

@DetailMouse millwall at Wembley would be different.

I'm been to some stadiums with shocking stewarding

FleeceNavidadFromTheSheep · 09/03/2022 14:23

@TinaYouFatLard

I don’t know what the atmosphere will be like at this particular final, but after taking the kids to the Euro final at Wembley, I vowed never again.

We are very regular at our premier league club matches so are used to the usual football related behaviour, but this was something else.

DH also said 'never again' after that, but for a small team's big day out, it will be unforgettable. Just keep your wits about you and walk swiftly away from any potential trouble, without scaring the DC.
Zonder · 09/03/2022 14:25

Start with a local match to see how she gets on with that. And resign yourself to taking her out half way through when she gets bored.

Trying81 · 09/03/2022 14:26

Well done Sutton!

Definitely take her, the atmosphere will be great

I’d avoid upper tier seats, it can be quite steep and you feel a little too far away from the action

If possible, the Novotel on Wembley Way is great to stay at - there’s a bar and restaurant which looks onto Wembley way for residents only and you can view the crowd without having to be part of it, which can be overwhelming with little ones

Inmyonesie · 09/03/2022 16:07

My 5yr old went to watch his team play recently. We are based in the South, and had to travel 3.5hrs by train and stay overnight. But he loved it! Definitely go!

Rowgtfc72 · 09/03/2022 16:10

Dd went to her first England match at Wembley at 6 months old. She had a half time bottle and the baby change facilities were excellent!
She went to her first local game at 6 weeks.
Agree with other posters- get her to a local match first- she might absolutely hate it as this time of year its cold and football is loud.
My tattooist had a hartlepool team photo up on his wall- he raved about them.
Go and enjoy it!

ThatsBullshirt · 09/03/2022 16:16

Take snacks and a few small toys for her in case she gets bored and go. I used to go to football matches at that age with my dad and I loved it. I know it's not the same but my two boys have been to ice hockey matches while under 5 and really enjoyed it.

peboh · 09/03/2022 16:26

Take her, but take snacks, drinks and I'd look at getting some decent ear defenders are those things get loud, and little ears don't handle it too well.

Quartz2208 · 09/03/2022 16:44

I have to say I live in Cheam (next to Sutton) and I only realised Sutton United were going to Wembley due to this.

Yes she will be fine I think - take snacks and make a weekend of it