Groundhopping

“I didn’t need long to pull the classic new-guy trick of “buy the next round of beers,” and soon we were catching up with our Welsh friends. They’d been following Wales during the Nations League matches, and tonight they’d be facing off against superior competition in Belgium. That didn’t matter a bit to these guys. It doesn’t matter where you’re from; everyone loves an underdog. In their red bucket hats, with plenty of beers in hand, the Welsh fans were going to sing and cheer their hearts out, pulling for the upset. Even though we’d be sitting amongst the Belgian faithful, I instantly loved the Welsh. They felt like my own friends back home, who happily root for underdogs hoping for a big break. The common threads of fandom, camaraderie, and the excitement of a big game transcend borders.”

“This was my first experience at Victory Park as an away fan and although the familiarity wasn’t lost on me, I was able to enjoy the day slightly differently. My dad works nearby and at the last minute sourced a hospitality package from a mutual sponsor; food and drink included – happy days. My dad joined, as well as two long-standing Wigan supporting friends from home, who I often share matches with. The package paired us with two other Chorley fans of 50 years. [...] Stepping out pitch-side, Chorley’s humble beginnings are inescapable. Victory Park has barely changed over the years with shed-like stands at either end, a grandstand similar to Plainmoor’s past on the dugout and an open plan with a small seated platform opposite. The footprint is hugged by a nursery to one side and terrace houses to the other.”

“I love discovering new places, so just being in another part of the world is often enough. However, attending a game adds extra cathartic release. I can let out my emotions for 90 minutes and leave any worries outside the ground. Plus, I'm amongst a group of people who I can sing along with and even jump all over when there's a goal.”