The Championship season is now in full swing, and so, it’s hard to remember the last time we needed to think about what we are doing at the weekend.
Nearly every Saturday, as well as occasionally in the week, fans enjoy the ups and downs of life as a Swansea fan.
Graham Potter’s team has had two decent results since the start of 2019, notably the 4-1 win over Reading, and the stunning 3rd round FA Cup match against Aston Villa in which the Swans cruised to victory.
This weekend, some of the Jack Army will travel to Preston North End to watch the Swans in Championship action, but for those not venturing to Lancashire, what can they do?
Weekends when the Swans are away or it’s an International Break
Before we look at a few awesome activities to keep you busy when Swansea aren’t playing, let’s take a quick glance at the fixtures.
The Swans play Preston away, followed by Sheffield United and the FA Cup 4th round clash against Gillingham, a team now managed by former Swansea player Steve Lovell at the Liberty – which takes care of the next few Saturday’s.
Indeed, the EFL Championship fixtures run every weekend after that up until Derby County on the 16th March. Then you have a free weekend on the 23rd March before Nottingham Forest away on the 30th.
Of course, if you’re a regular part of the large contingent of Travelling Jacks who follow the Swans at every away game, then you probably don’t want a free weekend during the football season anyway!
The last home games of the season take place on Friday, 19th April against Rotherham United and 27th April against Hull City, so Easter weekend will be free, unless you travel to Ipswich on Easter Monday of course.
Come Sunday, 5th May, when the Swans finish their Championship campaign at Blackburn Rovers, you might need to look forward to different activities. Here are a few to try out.
Stick to What You Know
You love football and the Swans in particular. That’s why you follow your team through every game, no matter what. When there isn’t a game on, you still want your fix of football madness.
You could always get a few fellow fans together for a game yourselves if you’re fit and able.
You’re never too old for a kick about in the park or in your mate’s garden.
The Welsh Premier League, local Swansea and Neath leagues are always in need of support, so if you can get down to a game, then why not, you’ll be supporting local football if nothing else.
You could even pop along and watch the Swansea City Ladies team in action most Sunday’s in the Welsh Premier Women’s League, with the games being played at Llandarcy with free admission.
It’s an excellent way to spend a weekend, and the atmosphere at smaller games is intimate and unique. It’s about the football as well as standing in the rain cheering and jeering at the action.
The home of the Swans and Ospreys is currently offering tours if you miss the place that much. You need at least eight people to book a tour, and you can get the information through the Liberty Stadium website.
A cheaper alternative of course is to simply chill at home with an ice-cold drink and watch some classic game footage of the Swans on YouTube.
Develop Hobbies
Weekends off watching Swansea don’t have to be depressing, as you can use the time to develop your other hobbies.
Do you have other hobbies? If not, use the time to diversify your portfolio of interests beyond spending the afternoon – usually getting frustrated – trying to find a stream of the Swans game online or constantly checking your fantasy football team.
There are plenty of other games available that you can play with friends or online if you have a competitive nature.
Poker, for example, is a tense and gripping game that takes a while to learn but can be enjoyable, and weekends are the best times to play.
There are several major poker tournaments only running on a Sunday, these games often attract more players and offer the biggest prize pools of the week. You can also play with friends in home games.
Of course, only you can decide on your hobbies and interests, so if you haven’t found them already, be sure to experiment.
Driving experiences could be your kick, maybe a DIY project at home or even exploring one of the numerous, stunning Gower beaches that are right on our doorstep.
Whatever it is, find your project and go with it. Before you know it, you might even forget that the Swans would usually be playing, although that is highly unlikely if you’re anything like me.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
Admit it, you know for sure that your other-half/best friend/dog can’t wait for the football season to be over already
They know that when it is, you will have more time for them at the weekends. They miss you, but they must accept that they share you with the other love of your life: Swansea City Football Club.
When the Swans are not playing, it’s a perfect time to spend with your friends and loved ones. You could go for a walk, watch films and lounge about, or go out for food and drinks.
This quality time spent together might even buy you back a match day or two when the action resumes, or worst case scenario, at least give you control of the remote, when the footy is on the television.