[Albion] Your football ancestry

England winning the '66 WC, prompted my first interest in football.

'Dad - can we go to a real game...?' We were living in Shoreham at that time so he took me to an Albion game the following season. He was originally from Norfolk and still held a soft spot for Norwich City but we slowly became regulars at the Goldstone. Back then my favourites were Kit Napier and later Wardy, whereas Dad always cheered for Sully.
The family moved around Sussex but we still traveled to the Goldstone for most home games. As 12 year-old schoolmates we were trusted to to go the football unsupervised. If BHA were not playing at home we would watch Horsham at Queen Street. One mate followed Spurs so we'd occasionally head off on our own to WHL. But BHA was always our first love.

Over the years Dad's interest drifted more towards the cricket at Hove. However. I took him to his last ever game - Norwich v Albion (3-3) in the Championship around 12 years ago, which seemed a fitting game to end his football journey. When we moved to Norfolk he teased me that I should really follow my local team now (Norwich). Haha. No chance! Always BHA, through thick and thin. Hence my ID on NSC. However I still enjoy taking in local non-league games up here at Kings Lynn Town (The Linnets) - will be there tonight. It's a good contrast to the PL.

There's around a dozen Albion STHs flying the flag here in north and west Norfolk. I'm now approaching 60 seasons as a BHA fan. I haven't lost the love, despite the trek to/from The Amex becoming a pain these days. But what a roller-coaster. Promotions. Relegations. Quietly ticking off away grounds (around 55 at last count). Cup Finals. Losing our football home. Withdean. Rising back through the leagues. The Amex. Premier League. Beating European Champions. Playing in Europe. Quite unbelievable.

portlock seagull said:

Like players called up for international duty, I think fans choice of pro team should only really be allowed on similar basis i.e.

Local team(s), when getting into football
Parent supports
Grandparent supports

How many of us have ended up following the Albion outside this criteria I wonder? I.e. just for the "Glory"? LOL!!! (you poor sods, but fair play to you!)

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Born in West London.

Grew up in Dorset.

No particular previous interest in football.

Moved to Sussex 27 years ago.

Started to follow BHA.

Still do.

Never been a football obsessive and I find most football talk quite dull but I enjoy following.

So I guess I’m a long serving plastic fan

Born in Shoreham here. Was a Mascot at the Goldstone and had my match day photo with Alan Biley in my favourite Phoenix Brewery Kit. Brother played for us for a while and I've been a Brighton fan all my life

Born in Rustington (mud blood)

Grandfather - Portsmouth converted to Brighton by my Dad
Dad - Brighton 1950 - 2022
Mum - Brighton 1960 - present
Myself - Brighton 1975 - present
Son - Brighton 2009 - present

Born in North London in 58, dad was a lifelong Arsenal fan and elder brother was (and still is) a Spurs fan.

As a young lad I was regularly dragged by them to Highbury and WHL respectively but never showed any interest in either team. Occasionally went to watch Orient with my school mates.

Uncles and aunts on both sides of the family lived in Hove, whom we visited frequently. Dad took all of us to the Goldstone in 66 (to give my mum a break!) and I instantly knew this was "my" team. Hooked on the Albion for 58 years now.

Took my lad (then 6) to see his first game at the Goldstone in 94. He was instantly hooked too, although to be fair I had indoctrinated him by then! I still have his 94 “Sandtex” shirt and shorts laundered and bagged up in case he has kids of his own and I’m permitted to influence their team selection!

superseagull1994 said:

Born in Brighton with my dad and grandad both Brighton fans. I would have no choice

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Same with me. Dad was an Albion fan and took me to my first game in 1960 -beat Bristol City 5-1. after that I was hooked and as I got older went to more and more matches. Has been a fantastic part of my life through thick and thin -never regretted it, though that last 5 minutes against Wolves tested that . . .

Born at Cuckfield Hospital.
Taken by a family friend for my first game. BHA v Swindon 74/75 season

Born in Brighton, raised in Brighton. Taken to my first match by my dad (losing to Walsall 3-2). He wasn't a big football fan, much preferring cricket but he knew how much I wanted to go and took the day off work to take me.

Sadly, my kids aren't that interested in the Albion but at least they haven't been tempted by Millwall, despite the efforts of Mrs Gwylan's family.