Fans of football and not only surely sometimes noticed that in some matches the athletes of both teams go on the field with their children. What kind of children are these? Why do they go out on the field? Is this some kind of tradition?

As popularity grew, football acquired new rules and standards — gate sizes, fields were chosen, fines were introduced, and so on. By the beginning of the 20th century, the oldest football tournament, called the FA Cup, was organized. In 1904, the famous governing football federation, FIFA, was created. The team of Uruguay became the first world champions, and twice in a row - in 1924 and 1928. Modern competitions are held by several organizations: FIFA, UEFA (EUROPA), CONMEBOL (South America) and CONCACAF (Central and North America).

Today, football is the most popular sport. In a rare family, there is no avid football player who during the game of his favorite team would not “occupy” the TV, cheering for the victory. Any championship, a meeting of popular clubs will be accompanied by an army of fans. The popularity of football has spawned a whole near-football culture, including football hooligans.

Why do soccer players go out with their children?

In short, the children who go out with the players on the field before the match are a kind of symbol of continuity. In this case, the exit is carried out immediately before the hymns of the countries where the teams come from.The exit of children, as planned, is a good motivation for young athletes to train more diligently and become like their idols - players of national teams. For children who go out with athletes, there is also benefit - they stop being afraid of fans and get used to attention.

However, sometimes not only young athletes come out with the players, but also children who are far from sports. Sometimes sponsors of matches are involved in the selection of attendants. For example, one well-known fast food company sponsored a Confederations Cup held under the auspices of FIFA. She conducted an advertising campaign, as a result of which the winners could enter the field with the player. This shows that absolutely any child can become part of a great football event.

When and why did this tradition arise?

Initially, it is not known exactly when and for what purpose this tradition arose. It can have several meanings. Due to the popularity of football, the appearance of children at the stadium can help draw public attention to a problem. For example, not only beginner football players come out with athletes, but also children with disabilities, orphans, etc.

A kind of charity event benefits not only the foundations that organize them, football clubs and, of course, the children themselves. Probably, each of them would agree to go hand in hand on a giant football field with Cristiano Ronaldo or another world famous athlete. As for football clubs,then they get a positive reputation and an additional number of fans.

Interesting fact: This tradition has become especially popular in the 21st century. About 20 years ago, only 1 child entered the field with the team. For example, this was the case in the English Premier League in 1996, when an 11-year-old boy Wayne Rooney led the team on the field (he later became a famous football player).

In the 80s, English fans staged riots in the stands. The withdrawal of children at the stadium along with the athletes was the solution to this problem. They reminded the audience that football is primarily a sport, a competition which can be watched by the whole family. Gradually, this method of eliminating fan aggression spread throughout the world.

Since the time of Euro 2000, every football player enters the field hand in hand with a child. There are various rules and traditions according to which children are chosen. Most often, they attend sports schools or are members of fan clubs. The United States has a unique selection system. For a child to appear on the field, it is required to purchase at least 50 tickets. And branded T-shirts act as gifts. Also sponsors of clubs can participate in the selections.

The appearance of football teams on the field with children is a worldwide tradition that has become popular in the 21st century. As a rule, it is due to several reasons. This may be charity events in support of orphanages, children with disabilities, poor families, etc.It can also be promotions from sponsors and rewards for beginner players, active fans of clubs.