How to choose a football team to support: a simple guide

If you’re a fan of football but aren’t sure what team you should support, you’re not alone. Many people choose their local city or town club, but this isn’t the only option. If you don’t align with the goals of the club closest to you, or the one that your family supports, there are many other great options that will better suit your values. We know that choosing a football team in the UK can feel overwhelming, especially with so many clubs across different leagues, but whether you’re drawn to the Premier League or local clubs, there are several ways to help you decide.

Choosing a local club

If you aren’t too fussed about supporting a Premier League team and want more of a tighter-knit community feel, we’d recommend supporting a smaller local club. The benefits of doing this means that it’s easier to get to matches and show your support in the stands, you’ll get a real sense of the fan culture this way and can get involved in more aspects. To find a club that matches what you’re looking for, start close to your home and research the clubs in your area.

In addition to this, you can also consider who your friends and family support. Many fans stick with the club their loved ones do because growing up with a team can create memories and instant connections. Supporting a team with your friends or family also makes match days more social and fun.

Lastly, get a feel for the team’s identity, every club has a unique personality. Look for what interests you, do they have a hardworking squad or a strong connection with the community? What's something you want your team to value?

Choosing a Premier League Club

If you’re not so into the local scene, or you want to get involved with football beyond the small town clubs, you can do so by picking a Premier League Club. In most cases you’ll find that supporters pick a team based on the city closest to them, but this isn’t a good option for everyone. In some cases, such as with Manchester City and Manchester United, there are even multiple options to choose from - so here’s how we’d narrow it down:

Explore clubs across the country

Look at clubs that excite you, don’t be restricted by region, whether it’s for their style of play, history, or star players, find a club that piques your interest. Just be aware that it may be more difficult to attend matches and get involved if you pick one that is far away from your town or city.

Play style and values

As with the local clubs, sometimes it’s not about location, it’s about identity. Do you admire attacking football, teams with underdog spirit, or clubs involved in social causes? Watching matches, highlights, and reading about clubs’ histories can help you figure out how to choose a football team to support in the Premier League.

Don’t overthink it

Football is meant to be fun. You don’t need to pick the biggest club or follow trends. Find a Premier League team that sparks excitement and makes match days something to look forward to. If you change your mind later and find a football team that aligns better with your values or interests - you can always switch or follow multiple clubs!

Picking the right team for you

Choosing what football team to support doesn’t have to be complicated, it should be exciting. Whether you fall in love with your local club or a Premier League team based on players or style, the best choice is the one that feels personal to you.

Remember, football is about passion, belonging, and those unforgettable match-day moments. So take your time, explore your options, and trust your gut. No matter who you end up supporting, once you find your team you can show your dedicated support by getting involved wherever you can. For further reading, we’d suggest checking out our ‘beginner’s guide to the Premier League’ or our ‘Why are celebrities buying football clubs?’ blog to help you make a decision.