Popular Post kmpowell Posted October 31, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2021 (edited) Having left Bristol in 2011 for work reasons, a separation which means I don't get to see my kids that often, then recent COVID restrictions/lockdown, the chances to get back to the Gate for a game have been very limited for me, but yesterday it was if all the stars aligned... It was my sons 8th birthday, and despite the win-less streak at home I took a punt and got us some tickets for a very early start's drive to Bristol so he could experience his first ever game. He has the shirts and despite him living 3 hours away from Bristol and 4 hours away from me, he's grown up with Bristol City in his heart and we have watched all the sky/robins tv and highlights together etc. A trip to the club shop first so he could spend some of his birthday money, then a walk up the steps for his first experience of the ground... As kick off approached he was in awe of the experience, loving every moment. When Barnsley scored this upset him, and I feared the worst, but then us scoring twice literally had him crying tears of joy, it was just epic! A special thanks at this point to the two guys sat directly next to us who returned at half time with a bag of sweets for him because seeing the ups & downs of joy on his face apparently made their day! Also the guys in the rows behind us and in-front of us who all helped him feel at home and make his first match experience so special. Hearing him join in with the "Red Army" chants in the last 15-20mins, then the joy on his face at the final whistle, with a few verses of "Drink up thy cider".. it was all smiles. A monumental "best day ever" day in his eyes, and a very emotional monumental day in my eyes which took me back to my first game way back in 1990. So it's a thank-you to all the fans for the atmosphere, a thank-you to the guys around us in the Lansdown block W16 who made his first game so special, and it's a thank-you to the team for breaking the home-jinx! COYR. The only thing now is he's even more hooked and wants to go every week! Edited October 31, 2021 by kmpowell 95 16 73 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 wow,october post of the month,brilliant !!!! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Londoner Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 And happy 8th birthday to your son glad he enjoyed his day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hinsleburg Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 I was sat in the row behind, his reaction when the two goals went in is my moment of the season and won't be topped! I'll be honest, I feared for you both first half hour as it was pretty toxic but glad it improved very quickly. Glad you both enjoyed the day, watching your experience makes me even more excited to bring my young one in a couple of years! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenred Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Amazing. What a day, one that he will remember for the rest of his life I'm sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packman Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Great post, thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Army 75 Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Creating memories with your son. He and you will never forget yesterday. Lovely post to read 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pongo88 Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Great post.The only problem is you said: ” The only thing now is he's even more hooked and wants to go every week” Do you realise you’ve condemned him to a life disappointment ? 2 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weepywall Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 What a great father and son day. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxjak Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 (edited) A Very Very Happy Birthday....it's Great to be Eight!! May your visit's to Azteca Gate be just a memorable in the future. You chose the right game..........fortunately !! Edited October 31, 2021 by maxjak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviestevieneville Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 21 minutes ago, kmpowell said: Having left Bristol in 2011 for work reasons, a separation which means I don't get to see my kids that often, then recent COVID restrictions/lockdown, the chances to get back to the Gate for a game have been very limited for me, but yesterday it was if all the stars aligned... It was my sons 8th birthday, and despite the win-less streak at home I took a punt and got us some tickets for a very early start's drive to Bristol so he could experience his first ever game. He has the shirts and despite him living 3 hours away from Bristol and 4 hours away from me, he's grown up with Bristol City in his heart and we have watched all the sky/robins tv and highlights together etc. A trip to the club shop first so he could spend some of his birthday money, then a walk up the steps for his first experience of the ground... As kick off approached he was in awe of the experience, loving every moment. When Barnsley scored this upset him, and I feared the worst, but then us scoring twice literally had him crying tears of joy, it was just epic! A special thanks at this point to the two guys sat directly next to us who returned at half time with a bag of sweets for him because seeing the ups & downs of joy on his face apparently made their day! Also the guys in the rows behind us and in-front of us who all helped him feel at home and make his first match experience so special. Hearing him join in with the "Red Army" chants in the last 15-20mins, then the joy on his face at the final whistle, with a few verses of "Drink up thy coder".. it was all smiles. A monumental "best day ever" day in his eyes, and a very emotional monumental day in my eyes which took me back to my first game way back in 1990. So it's a thank-you to all the fans for the atmosphere, a thank-you to the guys around us in the Lansdown block W16 who made his first game so special, and it's a thank-you to the team for breaking the home-jinx! COYR. The only thing now is he's even more hooked and wants to go every week! Brilliant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slippin cider Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Superb! … Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Glad you both had a day to remember. It's something you'll both cherish forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattjb Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Brilliant, there’s nothing like taking your young un to a game for the first time.It’s quite emotional,I took my girl to her first game aged around 5 and it took me back to my first game with my old man in 77 aged 6. I’ve tried to get the miserable old bugger out for a game with us but he won’t have any of it! glad you had a great day, experiencing the highs and lows but ending on a high ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerseybean Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Best of luck explaining to him that while Bristol City may have made his day they will almost certainly ruin his life! 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ska Junkie Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Awesome post, love it! A very happy birthday to your son but you do realise if we lose the next home game, you'll be bringing him every week as he's our lucky charm! Welcome to the City family young man. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyderInACan Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 This is what football can do. Love it. So glad your lad enjoyed it mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 This is just great. Delighted your lad had a lovely day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Colby-Tit Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Love this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliftonCliff Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 What a heartwarming and uplifting thing to read. In the context of an absolutely typical OTIB tsunami of negativity and sometimes downright nastiness in recent weeks, this is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for restoring some balance and perspective and, like everyone else who’s read your post, I couldn’t be more pleased for you and your lad that you had such an enjoyable and memorable day. I wish you more of the same to come in future. Good on you both (and the guys around you, too, for that matter). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Great story. Another lad infected like we all were once. The only trouble is, there`s no cure, he`s got it for life! I bet he slept well last night. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Street red Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 2 hours ago, kmpowell said: Having left Bristol in 2011 for work reasons, a separation which means I don't get to see my kids that often, then recent COVID restrictions/lockdown, the chances to get back to the Gate for a game have been very limited for me, but yesterday it was if all the stars aligned... It was my sons 8th birthday, and despite the win-less streak at home I took a punt and got us some tickets for a very early start's drive to Bristol so he could experience his first ever game. He has the shirts and despite him living 3 hours away from Bristol and 4 hours away from me, he's grown up with Bristol City in his heart and we have watched all the sky/robins tv and highlights together etc. A trip to the club shop first so he could spend some of his birthday money, then a walk up the steps for his first experience of the ground... As kick off approached he was in awe of the experience, loving every moment. When Barnsley scored this upset him, and I feared the worst, but then us scoring twice literally had him crying tears of joy, it was just epic! A special thanks at this point to the two guys sat directly next to us who returned at half time with a bag of sweets for him because seeing the ups & downs of joy on his face apparently made their day! Also the guys in the rows behind us and in-front of us who all helped him feel at home and make his first match experience so special. Hearing him join in with the "Red Army" chants in the last 15-20mins, then the joy on his face at the final whistle, with a few verses of "Drink up thy cider".. it was all smiles. A monumental "best day ever" day in his eyes, and a very emotional monumental day in my eyes which took me back to my first game way back in 1990. So it's a thank-you to all the fans for the atmosphere, a thank-you to the guys around us in the Lansdown block W16 who made his first game so special, and it's a thank-you to the team for breaking the home-jinx! COYR. The only thing now is he's even more hooked and wants to go every week! Nothing better than seeing your son enjoy every minute especially on his first game perfect absolutely perfect COYR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleepy1968 Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Thanks for the post @kmpowell. Glad your son had a fantastic day, lovely touches by the fellow supporters (Great photos BTW - I think you look just as excited as your son!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elruliri Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Fantastic, I'm glad he enjoyed It. I was the same age when my late grandad first took me to the Gate. We've had ups and downs, more downs but BCFC is in my blood. I hope he sees us in the Premier league one day. I've been waiting 39 years. Otib. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gasbuster Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Great story. Hopefully this young City fan will have many more days like yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobArnold10 Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Safe to say, that is what football is about. Memories, good or bad, but something you’ll always take with you and he will too. Great stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 It`s not all about 22 overpaid prima donnas kicking a bag of wind around is it? It`s so much more than that. Those who require an explanation will never understand, those who understand will never require an explanation. 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bar BS3 Posted October 31, 2021 Share Posted October 31, 2021 Brilliant! And THAT is why you can't beat live football and supporting your own team, rather than watching Football on TV & a club you've no actual association with. So glad he had a day to remember! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmpowell Posted November 1, 2021 Author Share Posted November 1, 2021 Thanks all for your kind comments and wishes. It means a lot. He hasn't stopped talking about the day, so it was most certainly well worth the long drive and logistics behind organising it all for him. Job done, memory made. On 31/10/2021 at 14:07, hinsleburg said: I was sat in the row behind, his reaction when the two goals went in is my moment of the season and won't be topped! I'll be honest, I feared for you both first half hour as it was pretty toxic but glad it improved very quickly. Thanks @hinsleburg for helping make his day special. I was also very fearful when their goal went in and the language/atmosphere became very toxic, but our 2 goals quickly dispatched his negative memories/feelings into history, turning into tears of joy! It's also made me reflect a bit on how much I've missed the regular home match day experience. Since leaving Bristol I've attended plenty of away matches and sometimes the occasional home 'bigger' game, but it's been 10yrs since I was last a 'proper' season ticket holder who walked up Coronation Road into the eastend week after week for normal games. So as an exile it's true what they say that if it's out of sight it's kind of out of mind, and over the years I've not really realised how much I miss the place. Even with the new stands, the new views, the new singing corner, the redevelopment, and it being a far cry from when I was last there regularly... I still grew up as a city fan, and spending year after year (right up until leaving Bristol) as a season ticket holder, that underlying feeling was re-ignited at the weekend, even at a 'normal' game such as Barnsley. As far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter who's playing, who's managing, the connection you feel for the club never dies. COYR 4 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralphindevon Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 Although it’s well over 40 years since my first game I felt like an 8 year old dancing down the steps at the end, although I never get bought sweets….and I sit in W16. Hope our new lucky mascot gets back to watch a game soon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCFC Rich Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 Great post, however winning at home is now intrinsically linked with you being there! So you will have to go to every remaining home game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 2 hours ago, ralphindevon said: Although it’s well over 40 years since my first game I felt like an 8 year old dancing down the steps at the end, although I never get bought sweets….and I sit in W16. Hope our new lucky mascot gets back to watch a game soon. If I knew what you looked like I’ll buy you some Haribos at Blackburn 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garland-sweden Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 Wow! Thats beautiful. COYR!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hustler Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 Love this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralphindevon Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 1 hour ago, Davefevs said: If I knew what you looked like I’ll buy you some Haribos at Blackburn Yum, I’ll send a photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 7 minutes ago, ralphindevon said: Yum, I’ll send a photo. If you Google me and go to images, here’s what you get. Don’t be fooled by the slight belly hidden by the unlucky green gillet when you see me in person 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralphindevon Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 5 minutes ago, Davefevs said: If you Google me and go to images, here’s what you get. Don’t be fooled by the slight belly hidden by the unlucky green gillet when you see me in person Ah yes, I think I’ve seen you…. …..or it may have been Tomas Kalas 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Skin Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 Great to hear. Glad he has such a good day. Can you bring him every week?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pillred Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 On 31/10/2021 at 13:58, kmpowell said: Having left Bristol in 2011 for work reasons, a separation which means I don't get to see my kids that often, then recent COVID restrictions/lockdown, the chances to get back to the Gate for a game have been very limited for me, but yesterday it was if all the stars aligned... It was my sons 8th birthday, and despite the win-less streak at home I took a punt and got us some tickets for a very early start's drive to Bristol so he could experience his first ever game. He has the shirts and despite him living 3 hours away from Bristol and 4 hours away from me, he's grown up with Bristol City in his heart and we have watched all the sky/robins tv and highlights together etc. A trip to the club shop first so he could spend some of his birthday money, then a walk up the steps for his first experience of the ground... As kick off approached he was in awe of the experience, loving every moment. When Barnsley scored this upset him, and I feared the worst, but then us scoring twice literally had him crying tears of joy, it was just epic! A special thanks at this point to the two guys sat directly next to us who returned at half time with a bag of sweets for him because seeing the ups & downs of joy on his face apparently made their day! Also the guys in the rows behind us and in-front of us who all helped him feel at home and make his first match experience so special. Hearing him join in with the "Red Army" chants in the last 15-20mins, then the joy on his face at the final whistle, with a few verses of "Drink up thy cider".. it was all smiles. A monumental "best day ever" day in his eyes, and a very emotional monumental day in my eyes which took me back to my first game way back in 1990. So it's a thank-you to all the fans for the atmosphere, a thank-you to the guys around us in the Lansdown block W16 who made his first game so special, and it's a thank-you to the team for breaking the home-jinx! COYR. The only thing now is he's even more hooked and wants to go every week! My uncle took me to my first game when I was about the same age as your boy, I fear he is in for the same roller coaster ride as I have been on for the last 57 years, but you know what I wouldn't change a thing, and I hope when he is my age he looks back and has as many fond memories as I have, just as I'm glad my uncle took me all those years ago I'm sure your boy will thank you as well. maybe though occasionally through gritted teeth :laugh:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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