International Football Fan Day

Football is a game that transcends borders and boundaries. It is a common reference point that stretches beyond political and social divides, giving a common language to people of all nationalities, creeds, colours, gender, wealth and philosophical outlooks. The way in which football breaks down these barriers is not through the sport itself, but through the ordinary people who follow it. The football fans.

Football fans are the lifeblood of the game. The fans provide the atmosphere, the market, the financing, the publicity and even the participants. It is only right that football fans' role in the sport should be celebrated.

Conceived over a year ago, the International Football Fan Day campaign celebrates football fans’ timeless devotion to the sport, which overcomes social, cultural and political barriers. A worldwide vote to determine the date of International Football Fan Day will be held on Hinch.as, where clubs, players and fans meet online to suggest and discuss their greatest football milestones within the 100% football environment the social network provides.

There are more than 200 suggested dates so far, including classic games, breath-taking plays, unforgettable goals and saves, an idol’s birthday or a social need the sport has fulfilled. Clubs, players and fans are invited to nominate the most memorable moments from the sport they love and vote to choose the date to celebrate their passion. What date would you pick?

Among the many players to have voted so far are Andrés Iniesta, Dani Alves and Falcao. This day isn't just about the stars though. Your vote is as important as their's and counts equally.

The vote to choose International Football Fans Day will run until 7 November 2014.

What Makes Us Real Football 'Fans'?

On the penultimate day of the Premier League season I sat down on the sofa, drink in one hand and feet up ready to watch my Chelsea team take on Newcastle United in a pointless, nothing to play for match at Stamford Bridge. The mood in the stadium seemed a little subdued, and the match proved a perfect opportunity for Chelsea to model their new home shirt for the next season. This game never had the makings of being a thriller, effort levels were low, bodies were drained from the long disapointing season and Newcastle came away with a deserving point.

After the game I studied a few match reports as well as comments on forums from Chelsea fans disapointed with the performance and decided to air a few of my concerns and views in a sensible fashion about the following season, something I feel I am entitled to do through following my team since the earliest of memories and spending a sizeable amount of money each year on attending home and away matches. However some of the responses I (as well as others) were given were quite rude and unreasonable and one even questioned my loyalty to the club questioning whether I was a 'real fan' due to not attending the match. This led me to think and made me pose the question what constitutes a 'real fan'?

Read more...