source : pexels
As a hobby, football is simply unmatched. Its only downside (or rather feature?) is that it’s seasonal. That is, there’s this off-season when your favorite team doesn’t have any important games you could watch. During it, you naturally start looking for ways to entertain yourself until August or September when all the fun begins. Well, the choice here is actually wider than you may think.
Play Online Games
What we all love about football is that we can immerse ourselves in the sport without leaving home. But that’s exactly the same with online gaming. The most obvious pick in this regard is football-themed games. FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer are incredibly realistic simulations where you control your favorite teams and players, compete in leagues, and manage entire clubs. Then, there’s also Football Manager, just in case you’ve always dreamed about taking on the role of a club manager.
This hobby can even bring you some cash. For example, you can play football-themed slots or crash games at
Skybet. As a new player, you’ll get free money and free spins, so you’ll actually compete for real wins without spending anything.
How to Get Started:
- If you want to play a simulator game, choose a platform (PC, console, or mobile) and purchase or download the game.
- If you want to play for real money, check this
list of the best skrill betting sites according to forum members to find sites where you cash out your winnings fast.
- Whatever game you choose, explore tutorials and guides.
- Join online communities like Reddit's r/FIFA or r/footballmanagergames for tips and multiplayer opportunities.
Collect Football Memorabilia
This is another idea that is obvious yet not bad. Football memorabilia can connect you to the history and culture of the sport. Look for items like
- jerseys
- signed balls
- match tickets
- player cards.
You usually find them on eBay, sports auctions, and specialized memorabilia shops.
So, Identify what type of memorabilia interests you the most. Research reputable sellers and auction sites. And join online communities like Sports Card Forum or forums on Collectors.com. Such communities are of help whatever hobby you choose.
Join a Local Football Club
Off-season is actually a great chance for you to play football yourself. Joining a local club will let you stay active (just be careful because the risk of trauma is pretty high). You can play competitively or for fun — in any case, you are likely to meet like-minded people and maybe make new friends.
Follow Football Podcasts and Blogs
Chances are you are already doing this but if not, well, it’s an awesome way to stay updated and entertained.
Football podcasts and blogs usually provide in-depth analysis, match previews, and insider stories from football. It’s a whole world in fact!
How to Get Started:
- For podcasts, try "The Football Ramble" or "Football Weekly"
- As to blogs, "The Athletic" offers a wealth of content for fans.
- Football blogs and news sites like BBC Sport, ESPN FC, or FourFourTwo may also be helpful.
- And don’t forget to join online discussions.
Travel for Stadium Tours
source : pexels
Many famous football stadiums offer guided tours. That is, you can explore behind the scenes, visit the locker rooms, and walk through the players' tunnel. Of course, it implies more expenses than other hobbies do but it may be more enriching, too.
How to Get Started:
- Research stadium tours online and book tickets (it’s better to do that through official club websites).
- Plan trips to multiple stadiums if you’re traveling to a football-rich country.
- Take photos (of course!) and share them on social media or with friends.
Volunteer at Football Events
If you want something more unusual or more rewarding, choose
volunteering. In fact, any volunteering is good (both for you and the community) but, as a football fan, you may love to volunteer at local football events or youth clubs. This way, you’ll give back to the community and engage in what you love most — football. You can help organize matches, coach young players, or assist with event logistics.
How to Get Started:
- Contact local football clubs or youth organizations (although it’s not a paid job, you may want to prepare a short resume to present yourself).
- Sign up for events through community centers or online platforms like VolunteerMatch.
- Commit to a regular volunteering schedule and be proactive.
Join Football Fantasy Leagues
We started with online games and we finish our list with something very similar to them. Fantasy football leagues likewise have this gaming element. They allow you to create your team of players from various leagues and compete against others based on real-world player performances. The only difference is that you aren’t actually playing. The whole fun is in managing your team.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up for a fantasy football platform (e.g., Premier League's official fantasy game) and create your team.
- Research player stats and trends to make informed decisions.
- Participate in league discussions and trades.
All in all, there are quite a lot of things to keep you entertained during the off-season (and even beyond it). Although not immediately obvious, your involvement with football opens many exciting avenues for enriching your life.