Soccer Tradition-Players Walking Onto Pitch With Children

[WEDWDW]

When and why did this tradition start?

Do the Players really "enjoy" doing this?

Or do you think they would rather not have to be escorting a Child at the same time they are trying to get mentally ready for a game?

 

[Marrila]

Maybe some adults don't mind being role models for kids.

 

[Buzz Rules]

When and why did this tradition start?

Do the Players really "enjoy" doing this?

Or do you think they would rather not have to be escorting a Child at the same time they are trying to get mentally ready for a game?

Started in Europe, it’s partly used for advertising reasons and a way to have kid “mascots” get more involved in the game/sport. Most players don’t mind it and many are known for signing the kids kits.

 

[TippyThomas]

I would think that would be an event the children will remember for the rest of their lives. Sounds like a positive to me and I can't imagine the players being that bothered by the tradition.

 

[Buzz Rules]

There are waiting lists every season for most teams worldwide to become a kid mascot as well.

 

[Buzz Rules]

 

[Kitty 34]

Not really a soccer fan but I think that's wayyyy cool.

 

[WEDcryoHEAD]

Baseball does this as well. Kids go out to the bases with the position players for the national anthem. Not every game but a couple of games per year. Its great for the kids who get chosen to participate.

 

[sam_gordon]

When DS was 10(?), we were at a tournament in Columbus. Our coach arranged for our team to escort the Crew onto the field before their match. The only problem was we had 12 players on our team. DS *VOLUNTEERED* to "sit out" so his teammates would be able to escort.

He ended up getting a supporter scarf and a signed picture of one their stars since he couldn't participate.

 

[PollyannaMom]

When and why did this tradition start?

Do the Players really "enjoy" doing this?

Or do you think they would rather not have to be escorting a Child at the same time they are trying to get mentally ready for a game?

Not sure when it started.

I'm guessing they do enjoy meeting their young fans.

I always thought it was supposed to be the kids escorting the adults.

 

[lanejudy]

Baseball does this as well. Kids go out to the bases with the position players for the national anthem. Not every game but a couple of games per year. Its great for the kids who get chosen to participate.

Our local minor league team does it every home game. Usually a different area little league team each game.

 

[bcla]

A lot of stuff is done for ceremony. I've been watching Ted Lasso, and I'm thinking some of the corniest stuff is both teams walking out at the same time in the same tunnel. I don't get it.

I've seen baseball in Oakland on Sundays where they might have kids running onto the field with the players in Little League uniforms. Not sure who else does it. But that's not forced on the visiting team.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Not sure when it started.

I'm guessing they do enjoy meeting their young fans.

I always thought it was supposed to be the kids escorting the adults.

The kids are escorting them.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Not really a soccer fan but I think that's wayyyy cool.

It’s never to late to become one.

 

[1420Elexismc]

I love when they do this. Especially when you can see a genuine interaction happening. These kids are meeting some of their heroes-huge memories for sure. Now if only I could figure out how to be one of these kids…

 

[Buzz Rules]

I'm thinking some of the corniest stuff is both teams walking out at the same time in the same tunnel. I don't get it.

It’s about honor and respect going back to medieval times. It’s also why draws are allowed in soccer.

 

[Buzz Rules]

I love when they do this. Especially when you can see a genuine interaction happening. These kids are meeting some of their heroes-huge memories for sure. Now if only I could figure out how to be one of these kids…

Time machine or HP de-aging potion.

 

[Buzz Rules]

When and why did this tradition start?

Do the Players really "enjoy" doing this?

Or do you think they would rather not have to be escorting a Child at the same time they are trying to get mentally ready for a game?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Player_escort

 

[Buzz Rules]

If anyone wants to know how their child can become a player escort, simply contact your local pro team or professional leagues to find out.

Lists of USA/Canada professional leagues and teams.

MLS

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Soccer

USL Championship

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USL_Championship

USL League 1

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USL_League_One

USL League 2

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USL_League_Two

NISA

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Independent_Soccer_Association

Canadian Premier League

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Premier_League

 

[focusondisney]

Our NHL team did something similar pre Covid. The kids didn’t skate out with the players, but carried the team flag around the ice & stood at the door as the players came on the ice for the anthem.