A Year to Remember
Let’s rewind a bit and look at 2024, shall we? It was such a challenging yet special year for Reading FC, not just because of the action on the pitch but because of how we’ve come together as a community. For me, as a 10-year-old fan, and my father, it’s been amazing to see the club make younger fans feel welcome and included. Football isn’t just a game; it’s about belonging, and Reading FC truly makes us all feel like part of one big family.
We’ve worked hard to bring younger fans closer to the club, and I think we’ve made great progress. From engaging events to fun activities on matchdays, it’s been brilliant seeing more kids and teenagers like me get involved. And it wouldn’t have been possible without your help, whether you’re a player, a staff member, or a fan cheering from the stands.
Matchday Magic
One of the best things about being a Reading FC fan is matchday. The excitement starts as soon as you walk into the SCL Stadium. The chants, the atmosphere, and the buzz of seeing our players give their all—it’s the best feeling in the world. But what’s made it even better this year is how much effort the club has put into making matchdays fun for younger fans.
The new activities in the family zone have been a big hit. Whether it’s speed testing your power kicks, games, or meeting mascots, there’s always something cool happening. And let’s not forget the brilliant half-time entertainment—some of those penalty shootouts have been hilarious!
Thank you to everyone who’s made these experiences possible. You’ve shown that football isn’t just for grown-ups; it’s for everyone, and that means a lot to kids like me who are just starting to fall in love with the beautiful game.
Connecting with the Players
One thing that’s been so inspiring this year is how the players have made an effort to connect with fans, especially us younger ones. Whether it’s signing autographs, taking selfies, or chatting with us after the games, they’ve shown us that they’re not just footballers—they’re role models.
We’ll never forget the time I got to meet one of my favourite players (you know who you are Joel Castro Pereira!) before a match. He took the time to ask about my day and asking how the Junior Royals Reporter was going. Moments like that stick with you forever and make you feel like you’re truly part of the team.
So, to all the players at Reading FC, thank you for being so kind, approachable, and inspiring. You’re not just stars on the pitch—you’re stars in our eyes too.
Social Media Shout-Out
Another thing I’ve loved this year is how active the club has been on social media. For younger fans like me, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are where everyone hangs out, and it’s been awesome seeing Reading FC post fun content that we can relate to.
From behind-the-scenes clips to matchday highlights, the club’s social media team has smashed it. The challenges and competitions have been so much fun too—I’m still waiting for my chance to win a signed shirt!
Social media has helped us feel more connected to the club, even when we can’t be there in person. So, to the team behind those posts, thank you for making sure younger fans feel included and valued.
Bridging the Gap
This year, our big goal was to bridge the gap between the club and younger fans, and we think we’ve taken some massive steps forward. It’s not just about making football accessible; it’s about making it feel like home.
We’ve worked on projects like free or discounted tickets for kids, better family facilities at the stadium, and creating spaces where young people feel comfortable and excited to be. We’ve also encouraged schools and local youth groups to get involved, because football is such a great way to bring people together.
Your support—whether through volunteering, donating, or just cheering us on—has made all of this possible. And the results speak for themselves. The number of young fans at games has gone up, and more kids are wearing the Reading FC badge with pride.
This truly shows that “Together We Are Stronger.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into 2025, I’m feeling so excited about what’s next for Reading FC. We’ve got big plans to keep building on what we’ve achieved. This year, we want to:
- Launch more school partnerships: Promoting getting more kids to their first-ever football match is a big priority for us.
- Create new experiences: Whether it’s player Q&A sessions, football clinics, or virtual meet-and-greets, we want to give young fans even more reasons to smile and share these all online
- Boost inclusivity: Football is for everyone, and we’ll keep working to make sure kids from all backgrounds feel welcome at Reading FC.
We can’t do any of this without you, so please keep supporting us in any way you can. Together, we can make Reading FC the most family-friendly club in the country.
Thank You
Before I sign off, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey. To the fans, thank you for your passion and energy—you’re the heartbeat of the club. To the staff and volunteers, thank you for your hard work behind the scenes—you make everything possible. And to the players, thank you for giving us something to cheer for—you’re our heroes.
Being a Reading FC fan means being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about pride, loyalty, and a sense of community. And thanks to all of you, that community is growing stronger every day.
Here’s to another year of making memories, chasing dreams, and celebrating everything that makes Reading FC special. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!
Together We Are Stronger.
Come on, you Royals!
