I have a fully other explanation why I'm rarely in the supporter pit, in hockey or footie. Though I enjoy the atmosphere with the supporter crew, I don't want my kid to learn too many cursewords and some if the behaviour in the pit. There is many of us who go to games with the family and enjoy surrounding with less strong emotions due to this specific reason. A kid is a sponge, they learn everything and remember it. It's not really a kid friendly environment. And I think in Tammela it actually is K-18?
Might be wrong. In Tammela we are near though as the kid section is next to the supporter pit.
We are clothed head to toe in Ilves colours and usually are some of the fews supporting out loud. So its kot about what people think or anything Supin tukit mentioned. It's just easier with the kid not to think how many times he hears vittu during the games.
Thats also the reason why we will come to Invaasio Espoossa, but will take our own car.
I have previously suggested in hockey, that you should have some actives infiltrate the other stands and lead the chanting there, some peoplew would join it. Many people don't know they are even allowed in the supporter pit unless they are Osasto/Niilon Pojat. And then they are too shy to start something to show support from their own seats.
Hi yellowgreen,
Really appreciate you coming forward, and giving your explanation I respect that a lot.
Lets start with the K18 thing, C3 (Niilon pojat main section) is not K18 and is open to all, You do not have to be a member of Niilon pojat to go there. C2 and C1is also not K18. I personally do not quite understand the age restriction on some stands, I would assume it is so adults can watch the game without kids around them? Maybe someone with more experience of Finnish football can spread some light on that.
I have kids of my own, so I can sympathise and understand your perspective. The thing about attending sport venues, no matter what the sport is or which stand you are in at some point you are going to hear curswords.
In England, many families attend football games, home and away and many parents take their kids along with them the golden rule in terms of swearing is, what you hear at football, stays at football and you do not repeat it. That is the bottom line.
There is also quite a few kids in C3/C2 who all join in the with chanting and singing and have a really good time. I have also in the past gone to the back of C2 to try and help spread the atmosphere across the stand and I do agree entirely with your point that if we could somehow get more people joining in from other stands it would indeed help the atmosphere at the stadium.
In terms of the behaviour, many of the Niilon Pojat members are passionate about the team, they want to do what they can to support the lads and get as many supporters as possible up on their feet and singing, clapping etc. What I will say as someone who is relatively new to Finnish football and Niilon pojat itself is that everyone I have gotten to know and spoken to in the supporters group are great people who look out for each other. I have never for a moment felt unsafe or unwelcome there, the complete opposite infact.
Lastly the subject of away games. I totally get and understand that not every away supporter will want to come and stand with Niilon pojat and chant and stand non stop for 90 mins. You do not have to, There are normally spaces towards the back of the stands in which you can distance yourself yet still clap along and join in when you want.. These areas are usually quieter as well. I would encourage you to give it a try at least once. Having an extra 20-30 people in the away stand can make a difference visually. It is all about supporting our team together.
