Research conducted by Anglia Ruskin University showed that attending sports events has a positive impact on two measures of well-being; it helps improve life satisfaction and also reduces feelings of loneliness.
So how does it work? Here we look at five great reasons to attend a match — some ideas don’t even mean you need a match ticket!
Experience the atmosphere
The build-up — the game — half time. The anticipation — thrills — despair — excitement. Victory or defeat — all valid feelings and part of everyday life. At Portman Road, you can go through all that in minutes!
Be part of a collective group
Being accepted for what you believe in — here a football team is a powerful emotion — a time when no one cares what you do — what health problems you have — even how many friends you have. Attending a game can make you feel less lonely and supported. You always have something to talk about with whoever is next to you. You can all sing the same song. It all has meaning and belonging.
The benefits of being a fan of your local football club: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-benefits-of-being-a-fan-of-your-local-football-club
Appreciate what goes into making match day work
See the hard work behind the team. Whether it’s retail at Planet Blue, hospitality, security, stadium announcers, media, police, stewards, groundsman, coach drivers, and kit staff — to name a few — all have a vital role to play. Without them, match day would not be the same.
ITFC - Careers and Recruitment at the club: https://www.itfc.co.uk/club/careers
Spend time in the local community
Matchday offers the chance to feel the buzz around the team — in cafes, pubs and bars and of course at the ground itself. People typically meet up before the game for a drink and chat. Blue Action organise some great ways to become involved vocally and to support the team including coach greets, stadium displays and pre-match singing in town.
Blue Action: https://www.facebook.com/BlueAction1878/
Experience the thrill of live sport
Gain life satisfaction — a sense of life being worthwhile and lower levels of loneliness in addition to everything discussed above. Extend the experience by visiting the Fan zone before the game. Get to the ground early and watch the players warming up. This gives you a chance to witness the skills and talents of the players up close and feel the atmosphere and energy of the stadium.
Attending Live Sport Improves Well-being: https://neurosciencenews.com/wellbeing-sport-event
Getting yourself a ticket
The best way to enable you to purchase tickets at ITFC is to become a member. This allows you early access to tickets. But be sure to log on as soon as they become available — they are extremely hard to come by!
For those who cannot afford these or cannot get them the Women’s Team is another option for you. Cheaper tickets but still great games and the same benefits.
ITFC Women’s News Page: https://www.itfc.co.uk/category/women
If you can’t get to or afford tickets, being part of the community on match days is a great way to be involved. There are opportunities to work for ITFC, be a part of the Blue Action Group, follow on social media or radio or even Town TV, and even help with food bank collections.
Head to a cafe or pub in town before the match and you are going to meet some fellow fans and can soak up the atmosphere in the build-up to or after a game.
BBC Radio Suffolk always host a phone-in after the game with the commentary summariser so you can become involved with that too. So many options and so many benefits.
If you are an ITFC fan or any other sports club fan then It’s worth the effort and you’ll find you soon become hooked on attending live games!
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