Football is more than just a sport in the UK; it’s a way of life. And whilst there are ongoing fears about the commercialisation of the sport and its effect on the grassroots movement, there’s still much to be said for the unifying power of the so-called ‘The Beautiful Game’.
If you have a football mad loved one in your life and you’re keen to give the gift of football to them this season, then you’ve come to the right place for inspiration. Whether they’re a fan of Baggio or Balotelli, Kaka or Kuntz, here are 9 of the best gifts for UK football fans in 2023.
A Personalised Football Shirt
A personalised football shirt is a classic gift that never goes out of style (until your team gets relegated, that is). This thoughtful gift will make them feel like they’re part of the squad and is sure to be worn with pride on match days.
In the UK, you can find personalised football kits at various retailers such as UKSoccerShop, JD Sports, and Sports Direct, as well as in official club shops, though do be warned; it’s not the cheapest of gifts. The price of an adult home replica jersey, like the England shirt for instance, generally costs around £90, while personalisation services may come with an additional fee. Keep in mind, too, that prices are subject to change each season.
A Stadium Tour Experience
Give the gift of a behind-the-scenes look at their favourite team’s home ground with a stadium tour experience. They’ll get to explore the dressing rooms, walk through the players’ tunnel, and even sit in the manager’s seat. This immersive experience will bring them closer to the action and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The top three most popular football stadium tours in the UK offer fans an unforgettable experience, allowing them to explore iconic venues and learn about their favourite clubs’ rich history. These tours provide a unique perspective on the stadiums, taking visitors behind the scenes and offering exclusive access to areas usually reserved for players and staff.
- Old Trafford, Manchester: Home to Manchester United since 1910, Old Trafford is the largest club ground in the UK. The museum and stadium tour allows fans to walk down the tunnel to the famous pitch, take a seat in the home dugouts, and snap a photo with the United Trinity statue featuring legends Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, and Denis Law. Prices for the Old Trafford tour start at £25 for adults and £15 for children.
- Anfield, Liverpool: Experience the ultimate Anfield tour with a stadium and museum combo ticket. Visitors can see the pitch and the Kop end from multiple angles, walk beneath the iconic ‘This Is Anfield’ sign, and take Jurgen Klopp’s seat in the manager’s chair. The Liverpool FC Story, an interactive on-site museum, showcases the club’s history and legendary players. Prices for the Anfield tour and museum combo ticket start at £22 for adults and £14 for children.
- Wembley Stadium, London: As the largest stadium in the UK with a capacity of 90,000, Wembley Stadium is a must-visit for any football fan. The tour takes visitors behind the scenes, exploring areas typically reserved for football superstars. Prices for the Wembley Stadium tour start at £24 for adults and £14 for children.
Football Skills Training Equipment
Whether your loved one is satisfied with a ‘jumpers for goalposts’ situation, or they prefer to use football target nets to get their practice in, there’s a gift out there for those who love to play football rather than just watch it. Consider gifting some training equipment to help them improve their skills. From agility ladders to rebound nets, these tools will keep them active and engaged while honing their abilities on the pitch.
A Football Autobiography
For the avid reader and football fan, a football autobiography is an excellent choice. Delve into the lives and careers of some of the most iconic players and managers in the sport, offering fascinating insights into the world of football (plus plenty of gossip!), and are sure to keep your football-loving friend or family member entertained for hours.
Some of 2023’s bestsellers include:
- The updated version of Alex Ferguson’s best-selling, prosaically titled 2013 book My Autobiography. The 2023 release contains Fergie’s recent thoughts on what’s been happening at Old Trafford since his retirement.
- Ian Wright’s A Life in Football is a The Sunday Times bestselling memoir that details the former England striker and current TV pundit’s career, as well as his insightful thoughts on social media, racism and retirement. As ever with Wrighty, it’s a beautiful mix of depth and levity.
- The enigmatic Andrea Pirlo’s I Think Therefore I Play is typical of the great man, part words of wisdom and part tongue-in-cheek pretension. The World Cup-winning midfielder gives a humorous look back on his career, filled with plenty of anecdotes involving his Juventus, AC Milan and Italy teammates. Oh, and there’s plenty of wine chat, too!
Football Manager 2023
There is one computer game that trumps all others where football is concerned. Nope, it’s not FIFA 23. Neither is it Pro Evolution Soccer (for all those who prefer to take control of Cristiano Ronarid rather than Ronaldo).
Of course, we’re talking about Football Manager 2023 (shout out to the all the Champ-man heads, by the way) which is currently retailing at £44.99.
Let them take control of their favourite team with the latest edition of the popular Football Manager video game series. With updated squads, tactics, and graphics, this game will provide endless hours (and hours, and hours) of entertainment and challenge their strategic skills, too. Hey, they could even claim it was maths homework, as they study the endless statistics of this data-driven game!
A Team Scarf
For something a little more affordable that’s still both functional and football-focused, consider an old school classic; the football scarf. Keeping your loved one warm during those chilly winter match days, the football scarf is one of the sport’s most beloved items. And hey, it’s a gift that may even become a collector’s item in the next few decades.
Read: The IDEAL guide to collecting football programmes
Football Team Wall Art
Help them show off their team pride with some eye-catching wall art. From minimalist stadium designs to vintage-style team posters, there’s a wide range of options available to suit any taste and home decor style.
For something a little more thoughtful, consider a framed quote from one of football’s great thinkers. We’re particularly enamoured with the great Bill Shankly’s wise words; ‘The socialism I believe in is everyone working for each other, everyone having a share of the rewards. It’s the way I see football, the way I see life.’
Or, how about Eric Cantona’s King Lear quoting speech? ‘I love football’, indeed.
A Match Day Experience Package
For the ultimate football fan experience, consider a match day package that includes premium seating, pre-match dining, and exclusive access to lounges and bars within the stadium. This luxurious gift will make them feel like a VIP and create an unforgettable match day experience.
If you’re looking to go all out, then the UK’s most expensive matchday package is offered by Manchester United, at nearly £11’000! That astronomical price gets you and seven friends access to the best views in the stadium, as well as a signed, framed shirt and a several-course meal cooked by a top chef.
At the other end of the spectrum, a game at West Ham is reportedly the most affordable matchday experience, with their cheapest season ticket (yep, 19 games rather than just one!) clocking in at under £300.
Of course, you could go a step further and arrange a trip to the continent to watch a European match, the spectacle of the occasion several notches above a rainy Wednesday night at Grimsby.
A Football-Themed Board Game
Ending on an analogue note, why not bring the excitement of football to game night with a football-themed board game? Titles like Football Billionaire or Top Trumps World Football Stars offer a fun and interactive way to enjoy the sport off the pitch.
Or, why not go old school and gift them a Subbuteo pitch? For the uninitiated, this classic table-top football game involves flicking miniature players around a felt pitch in a rather disorderly fashion. Aaah, brings back some fond memories!
