Football Fans 'Up Against It'

Football Fans 'Up Against It'
Consumers are discovering "life is getting tougher" when it
comes to managing their finances, figures from Virgin Money
have revealed.

The announcement comes as the financial services firm
reports that the surging cost of attending football matches
is causing fewer fans to go to live games. According to the
company, increasing expenses will see about one in ten
(nine per cent) Premiership supporters reduce how many
times they will get behind their team in person, as they
face rising pressure on areas of their finances such as
credit cards and personal loans.

Overall, Middlesbrough and Chelsea fans are said to be the
most apathetic in watching live games as 24 and 19 per cent
of supporters from these clubs claim that they will not be
attending their respective stadiums as much. On the other
hand, those following Blackburn Rovers are shown to be the
least likely to reduce their attendance as only two per
cent are considering going to less games.

Meanwhile, consumers are reported to be "feeling the pinch"
as they start to feel the effects of five base rate rises
by the Bank of England since August 2006. And with a
decrease in disposable income noted, in addition to a rise
in football-related costs, the company suggests that
attendances could be set to dwindle more in the future as
less money is spent on merchandise.

John Franklin, spokesperson for Virgin Money, said: "The
ordinary football fan is up against it this year. While
it's true that some clubs have frozen or even reduced
ticket prices, our analysis shows that the overall cost of
following your team continues to rise. And while perhaps
last season fans were able to ride the storm thanks to some
favourable market conditions, the effects of five interest
rate rises will make life very difficult for many.
Financially life is getting tougher, but dedicated fans
won't want to sacrifice following their team as a result."

Virgin Money's announcement comes as its latest Football
Fans Price Index reveals that the cost of attending matches
has increased by 22 per cent since February last year.
Eighteen months ago, the 'match day basket of goods', which
includes expenses such as tickets and match programmes, was
reported to stand at 77 pounds 95p. However, this figure is
now £95 pounds 08p, with the rise largely attributed to the
increasing costs of replica shirts.

Malcolm Clarke, chair of the Football Supporters
Federation, added: "Virgin Money's survey shows again what
any fan in this country knows. The cost of watching
football here is still at ludicrous levels." He pointed out
that financial pressures on attending games on the
continent in countries such as Italy, Spain and Germany is
much lower as fans abroad are able to take advantage of
cheaper match tickets and reduced public transport.

However, those adamant about supporting their team in the
face of rising costs may wish to apply for a cheap personal
loan as a means of financing such expenses. Earlier this
year, Frances Walker, spokesperson for the Consumer Credit
Counselling Service, claimed that although the majority of
people who borrow do so wisely, more consumers need to take
a sensible approach to the money they have received.

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Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans. Visist us today to
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