Sparky’s Column

NOTHING BEATS THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING AT THE MATCH!

Al Jazira has been working hard to attract new fans from the expat community to the Club and to the Etisalat Pro-League, and this weekend's derby match against Al Wahda will put their initiatives to the test. 'Watching a football match' and 'experiencing it' are two different things - the experience of going to a match far outweighs watching it on television, sometimes the ritual around the game is as important as the result. The best way of describing it is to think of football as a community, you have to be part of it to understand it.

The journey to the match gives you time to discuss who's in, who's out, predict the result and speculate on what the night holds. If it's a big game, then as you near the stadium cars will be decked out in team colours, particularly in this part of the world where passions run high! Local fans have been known to re-spray their cars purple when Al Ain reaches a Cup final, Al Wasl's car park has at times looked like a visiting circus and I have even seen a car covered entirely by pictures of the Al Wahda squad.

The quirks of each stadium add to the experience. The ones that stick in my mind have little to do with the football...

  • Al Nasr has the finest shawarma stall about 50 metres before the main stand. Ideal for a pre-match snack and only around three dirhams.

  • If you head to Sharjah the directions may include "take a U-turn at the Fort" - it sounds great on the sat nav!

  • Al Dhafra has more grass on the banks around the pitch than the playing surface itself. The entire staff is based in Abu Dhabi so every home game is away.

  • Al Ahli must be the only football club in the world with its own riding school, hence the horse on the team badge. It means that Cannavaro is not the only thoroughbred onsite!

  • Al Wahda has villas built into the stand, residents can expect a knock from internationals asking for their ball back.

  • Al Jazira has the honour of being the only Pro-League club to host the Harlem Globe Trotters.

  • If you head to Al Wasl and don't fancy the drive back no problem, you can check into the hotel built into the main stand.

At the match expect lots of chanting, but with actual rhythm. Most clubs employ the help of a band to coordinate the chants. No one dares deviate from the conductors lead and he expects 90 minutes work from his band.

If you are thinking of going to a UFL match this weekend then my advice is don't hesitate. Remember the experience always outweighs the watching!