by Jess Lander 

 

During my study abroad in the Netherlands, I attended a Dutch club soccer match. Despite the fact that it took place during an incredibly cold and dreary day, in a relatively small stadium only holding 6,000 people, and between two teams that aren’t as known or talented as other European teams, the fans at this game were unlike any I have ever seen—even at a World Series game or a Super Bowl. They didn’t stop standing, didn’t stop chanting original fight songs, and didn’t stop stomping their feet and clapping their hands. These fans appeared to be dedicated to their team the way most people are dedicated to their family, work, and country—maybe even more. They act as if every goal their team scores is just like winning the World Cup; every goal scored against them is the end of the world.

While this experience was new to me, the Dutch crowd’s emotional commitment to the game of soccer (which they call football) is a common theme around the rest of the world. Only in America, is this kind of football fan mania rarely witnessed, where sports fans, (who only cheer when the Jumbotron tells them to) hardly ever evoke this level of intensity from the stands. Outside of America however, football is often considered a way of life. Bill Shankly, a former player and manager for many popular teams in Great Britain has been quoted by multiple sources as having said, “Some people think football is a matter of life and death…it is much, much more important than that.” Sources also quote Hugo Sanchez, former Real Madrid player and head coach of the Mexican national team, who said, “Whoever invented football should be worshipped as a God.”

Wherever you choose to study abroad, football will most likely be a big aspect of that country’s culture. You will probably see football scarves and jerseys sold everywhere, and every time you walk into a restaurant or a bar, don’t be surprised if a game is being played on the television. It is definitely worth your while to attend a football game during your stay in order to witness a sport culture that is so different from what you are used to in America.
 
What games to go to:

Just about every country has a football league, and most have several. The smaller, local league games like the one I attended are much cheaper (€10) than the Champions League, national team, or World Cup games, easier to get tickets for, and still guaranteed to have a crazy crowd atmosphere. However, if you’re a huge football fan already and don’t mind spending a big chunk of cash on seeing the best in the world play, it will definitely be a once in a lifetime experience. Just keep in mind that some games are only open to club members or season ticket holders, especially big ones like Arsenal vs. Manchester United or Roma vs. Celtic. It might be easier to pick a game where a big team is playing a team that is a little less popular. For instance, I got tickets to see FC Barcelona play less known Villarreal CF for only €52, just a few days before the match. Of course, it’s always an option to go to the stadium on game day and see if anyone is scalping tickets. To find schedules and look up teams playing where you are studying, go to ESPNsoccernet . It’s also fun to go to a pub or bar to watch a game, too, because fans still get really into the game, shouting and cheering at the television while they drink. I watched a Manchester United v. Arsenal game at a pub in London, and even made some friends.

 

 

You may be familiar with the term “Football Hooligan,” referring to an over-passionate, sometimes violent fan, or gang of fans, that wreak havoc in the stands at football matches. Maybe you saw the movie Green Street Hooligans and saw Elijah Wood nearly get killed, or maybe you’ve read in the papers from time to time about football riots breaking out, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Yes, hooligans do exist, but don’t let that prevent you from attending a game. In fact, hooliganism isn’t as much as a problem as it used to be, because new precautions have been taken to minimize disturbances. For example, policemen are stationed all throughout the stadium, and the opposing fans are often seated inside a caged area so that they can’t go out and cause trouble. Bags are also searched and often checked upon entering. Fans are threatened with either being banned from the stadium or worse, being arrested if they do initiate fighting or rioting. Some stadiums have even been shut down completely for several weeks, like after an outbreak of rioting in Italy early last year, to teach fans a lesson about behaving appropriately.

Despite these protective measures, if you still feel uncomfortable, you can take other steps to ensure your safety. For instance, if you aren’t necessarily concerned with rooting for one team over the other, dress and act neutrally. Avoid wearing the colors, shirt, jersey, or scarf of one team, and don’t cheer especially loud for one team unless you find yourself surrounded by fellow supporters. This way, an angry, drunken “hooligan” won’t just so happen to pick you out for his target. Also, maybe leave the stadium a little early, about five minutes or so before the final whistle, to avoid any post game celebrating—or rioting. Lastly, and probably most importantly, keep your belongings close to you and don’t bring valuables unless you absolutely need them. Football games are great opportunities for pickpocketers.