Why families are not supporting football

The cost of travel to the stadium, and ticket pricing, has left families unable to get to Premiership football matches, the Football Fans' census has discovered.

Almost half, 48 per cent, of fans with families fear they are being priced out of taking kids to games.

Replica kits, fuel and admission costs have all risen above the rate of inflation, and so now choices are made over who goes to watch live games, and how often.

Virgin Money spokesman Scott Mowbray said: "If children aren't going to live games then they won't get the football supporting habit at an early age.

The game could lose the next generation or end up with stadiums packed with middle-aged and elderly fans. Clubs have made efforts to reduce ticket prices in an effort to attract more people to match days but a dad - or mum - taking two children to a game is still facing a big bill for a day out. There are cheaper ways to entertain the kids than going to football."

The Football Fans census calculates that, on average, each fan spent around £1,080 following their team in 2007.

As cash-strapped households are aware, that money could be saved against the rises in council tax, water rates and home insurance premiums.

09/04/2008 10:00:20