WHO can afford to take the whole family to a Premiership match? Who can afford to subscribe to sports channels as an alternative. For many football fans, neither are high on the list of priorities right now.
“Go and watch the game in the pub, neck a few pints, bang the tables and have a good old swear at that the referee,” you might say. But it's not the best place for the kids and research shows it can have a pretty ugly knock-on effect when the alpha male gets back home after a skinful on match day.
Here's a alternative. A family day in North Liverpool this weekend will see the launch of the city’s first dry sports bar.
Isla Gladstone Conservatory
in Stanley ParkFamilies are invited to the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park to watch People's Club Everton play Arsenal, this Sunday (December 8, kick-off 4pm), while enjoying non-alcoholic cocktails from Hotel Indigo.
The idea behind the dry bar is backed by evidence of the link between alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour and incidents of domestic violence around scheduled football matches, say organisers.
If the pilot is successful there will be opportunities to run the dry sports bar on a more permanent basis to promote other local sporting events as well as football games.
Other activities throughout the day include beat the goalie, crossbar challenge, face painting and cage football; there will be a buffet during half time, and Everton FC charity Everton in the Community is hosting a raffle with club prizes up for grabs. Earlier in the day, five-a-side football teams from local community organisations will also compete for the Beautiful North Cup.
The dry sports bar has been set up as part of the Beautiful North partnership with an aim of encouraging healthier lifestyles and shared family activities in North Liverpool. It is supported by Plus Dane Group, Vimto, Liverpool Homeless FC and Everton in the Community.
Project outreach champion John Finnigan said: “We are piloting the dry sports bar to offer an alternative football experience for families and those who choose not to drink alcohol, as well as providing a quality offer to football fans.”
All food, mocktails and activities are free to those who attend. Free tickets are available by emailing here
