Immersing in the UK’s football culture is one of the simplest yet fun ways for an international student to get grounded in the island country.
The UK is a global hub for higher education, known for universities and colleges that offer world-class education for both its citizens and international students. In addition, the country has an updated International Education Strategy in place to cover the evolving needs of the international education sector, which includes expanding and employing digital and hybrid models of learning as well as transnational education.
On top of its outstanding reputation in international education, the UK is globally known for football, aka The Beautiful Game. Whether you are a football fanatic who keeps eye on the latest jersey released in your favorite athletics apparel brand or someone who has at least heard about David Beckham, learning about the UK’s football culture is one of the best ways for you as an international student to know about the ways of the Brits.
In this article, we take a look at some of the famous UK football-related facts and figures to pique international students’ interest and get them started with the fandom.
The top flight of England’s football pyramid Premier League is one of the most celebrated competitive and most-watched sports leagues in the world. Home to some of the world’s most famous clubs, players, and managers, Premier League hosts 20 teams battling a total of 380 matches for the English championship crown every August to May. Football fans have seen the light of day in May when in-person attendance was officially allowed for the first time in 14 months at a 10,000 limited capacity (at that time) in time for the final weekend of the Premier League season.
The ongoing 2021-2022 Premier League is led by London’s Chelsea, followed by Manchester City, West Ham, Liverpool, and Arsenal, respectively.
Since Euro 1996, the Brits have been chanting “Football’s Coming Home” as an homage to England’s football culture. Ironically, it is also a quick-witted way of saying that soon the Euro and World Cup will be theirs after decades of waiting. To further stress the popularity of these three words, it birthed the song “Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home)” in 1996, which now and then still enters the music chart.
For sure, you’ve watched or seen a clip of football fans singing to their favorite club’s anthem. Representing the spirit of collectiveness that football brings, English fans belt out to Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and Three Lions by Baddiel, Skinner, and the Lightning Seeds– both regulars in the music charts. Hear the Liverpool FC fans roar, singing at the top of their lungs Rodgers & Hammerstein’s You’ll Never Walk Alone. The song that was released in1956 has even made it to the club’s crest.
Winning the Premiere League in 2019, Manchester City sang Oasis’ Wonderwall as they approached the supporters’ section. Later, Oasis lead singer Noel Gallagher joined the team for an impromptu performance in the dressing room.
We hope this gets you started with the UK football 101 and, who knows, you might even be playing the beautiful game soon.
