Like many of us, you likely live, eat and breathe football – so much so that it can be difficult to know what to do with yourself when the regular season ends. While all good things must come to an end – and the next set of fixtures roll around before you know it anyway – the hang time can leave some at a loose end. If you’re one of these wanderers, consider trying out these top tips below.
Chat
For many, football is not just about the game – it’s a social event. Whether that’s meeting in the pub, on your couch, or in the stands. Replicating this can be tricky, but that’s not to say impossible. Websites such as our own serve as vital hubs for fans to participate in one another’s lives and share their love of a given team, or simply the game itself.
Social platforms such as Eventbrite and Meetup can be great ways to find, attend, or even organise your own meetups for like-minded fans. You could also consider running a fantasy sports league in the off-season, or host get-togethers to watch classic games. The recent launch of FIFA+ has further created opportunities for you to feed your football appetite, with hundreds of classic international matches available to watch on demand, as well as many original documentaries.
Game
Few pastimes are as encapsulating and entertaining as sitting down to play a great game – in fact, at their best, only the thrill of watching a match live can compare. People less versed in the modern games industry could be forgiven for thinking there are a dearth of options to suit the average footie fan, but this couldn’t be further from the truth – it just depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want the pure, unadulterated thrill of competitive football, then you should turn your attention to the range of simcade-style football games that are on the market. For many years, EA’s FIFA franchise reigned supreme, though following FIFA’s break-up with the publisher last year, the future of the series hangs in the balance. Still, FIFA 23 was a perfect swansong to end on, and is arguably the best football game out there today. If you want to sample the competition, check out eFootball – this is Konami’s successor to the legendary Pro Evolution Soccer.
For others, the experience of playing a game is incomplete without placing a tentative flutter on the outcome. For those who like to put their money where their mouth is, there are a huge number of real money games out there to explore. Of these, online slots are easily the most populous, diverse, and engaging. What’s more, if you’re prepared to shop around, it’s pretty easy to find a range of sign-up bonuses from reputable platforms to get you started.
Finally, for those that prefer the more cerebral elements of the beautiful game, there’s FM23. This is the latest and greatest in the long running Football Manager series that was first released as Championship Manager back in 1992. Craft your squad and set your sights on glory with this endlessly detailed and compelling title – and yes, you can even play as Scunthorpe United.
Shop
No list of top tips for footie fans in withdrawal would be complete without precisely what the doctor ordered – a healthy dose of retail therapy. The off-season is actually the best time to get good deals on last season’s kit and merchandise, with meaningful discounts and promotions being run frequently. This is especially true as we approach the next season as it is a time when shops will want to clear old stock.
Play
Of course, if all else fails you can play football. Many of us are no longer in the fine form of our youth, but the great thing about football is how easily it scales to the level of intensity you’re at. Maybe a kick-about in the park with a friend is the perfect antidote to your soccer blues. For those seeking a more competitive thrill, check out local 5-a side clubs to join.