Taking kids to football on my own

[carriestyles]

Am I mad to take 3 kids age 12, 10 and 7 to the England match on Friday by myself?
We’ve been given tickets and the kids are really excited to go. My husband was meant to be coming but he has broken his foot. I’ve tried everyone but no one is free to come with us. Wes get the train after school to Wembley. It’s about 2 hours there and back, kick off is 8pm so it’s a late finish. None of us have ever been to a football Match before. What does everyone think?

AIBU ITS A BAD IDEA DON'T DO IT
YANBU GO, IT WILL BE FINE

Sorry that should say:

YABU - it's a bad idea don't do it
YAMBU - go! It will be fine

No voting option, but - do it! You will regret it if you don’t and will have a great time

As long as you have plenty of time to get a train back at the end, and the kids will hold hands with each other and not let go in any circumstances, then go for it

They are your dc.. Why wouldn't you?

Go, it will be an experience! It would be a shame not to if you have tickets.

Would it be easier/possible to stay overnight and travel home the next day?

I've taken mine to football since they were around 18 months - local league 2 and my home team which are premier league (not big 6) which means train and bus. You'll be fine and it'll be a brilliant evening. Just check train times back as it'll be busy leaving Wembley

I think I'm worried about not knowing what to do when I get there.. what if there's a fight etc... sounds daft I know. We've just come back from a week in Mexico, just me and the kids so not sure why I'm so nervous about this!

Yes it will be fine.

Do be aware though when you come out they hold the people on the Wembley Way in an queueing pattern to allow people to access the station safely. The queue moves really quickly considering how many people are there. But it will be a crowd but people are respectful when you are with kids.

Have a great time.

That's an option but £200 for a hotel room to fit us all in but might be worth doing that rather than getting the late train home

I think you should go! It'll be a great night and a wonderful memory.

The first time I took my son to a football match I felt a bit daunted but it was absolutely fine and we both have season tickets for our local team now.

I would say make sure you have some games on your phone as at least one child will probably get bored at some point.

There won't be a fight because its an Englabd match and a friendly so not the rivalry of a minute minority of hooligan types that very very occasionally start something

That's what I'm worried about.. will people
Really see a woman on her own with kids and be respectful? I grew up around football hooliganism on my estate so I think I have a warped view that everyone is going to be angry and drunk there!

They honestly won't be. England matches are very much more a family occasion especially these friendlies

It's a friendly so will be a lot more chilled than usual. Lots of families usually at these type of matches. Despite their reputation, football fans are generally decent enough. Just be aware Wembley is an absolute ballache to get out of, albeit very well organised. Lots of slow queuing and waiting around.

Thanks everyone that's really reassuring! I'll book the hotel now. Any tips on how to navigate the stadium? So they sell food at football matches? Are there restaurants near Wembley?

I've never had any problems with hooliganism at Wembley, you'll have a blast. If you can, I'd recommend staying over though. The funnel in the tunnel, going back to the station can seem a bit claustrophobic. A Premier Inn or similar might top it off into a fab away day. Enjoy!!

Make sure you know what colour area you are going to in the stadium and head for that (it is very clearly signed). Then it's just a matter of looking out for your gate number. Don't take any bag bigger than a4 size or you will need to take it to a bag drop and that is right around the side of the stadium. I'd advise arriving early and getting snacks in before it gets busy, it can get really busy at the bars/ snack places. Food dreadful and pricey but that's football stadiums for you!

I was slightly worried the first time I took my 3. But it was wonderful.
We have been many times since.
Not Wembley.
Bit I wouldn't worry about a friendly.
Just plan your way in and out.
Enjoy!!

Random question but does anyone know what trains go directly to Wembley? I'm
Coming from Staffordshire and it's saying I have to get a train into Euston then the tube twice to Wembley. I don't mind driving out a bit to get a train that skips Euston and goes straight to Wembley? Is that a thing?

Where are you planning on staying?
If you get the train into Euston you can either get a train back up to Wembley Central or walk along from Euston to Euston Square tube and get the tube straight up to Wembley Park. It's a pretty easy journey. Or, if you stayed Watford way, you could get from Staffordshire (I'm presuming you're heading down the west coast main line) to Watford junction and there are trains to Wembley Central from there.

It will be great. Why would they disrespect you? I've been going to matches for years with Dh, ds's, sometimes ds2 and I need to sit separately from Dh and ds1. Never an issue. I love it!

I don't think I'd be disrespected, im
Just unreasonably anxious about The whole thing for some reason.
This thread has really helped though thanks everyone!

Did it all go well ?

Shame about the result…..

Yes it was amazing thanks for asking! So glad I asked for opinion on here as I nearly bottled it !

We want to go again soon ! ⚽️

Why wouldn’t you do it? Unless you’ve brought up your DC to be barbarians?