A study has revealed that 73% of football fans are at a loss for
things to occupy their time once the season finishes. With almost one in
twenty fans disclosing that a massive void opens up in their lives in the absence
of football and a further one in seven football fans confessing to feelings of
utter desolation in the off-season.
The study, commissioned by Gillette Football Club, aims to
highlight the reality of Post Season Blues (PSB) and offer football fans a
“Soccer Solution” in the off-season. Neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis
warns that fans will be particularly at risk from PSB this Saturday, “While PSB
can strike on any day of the week, in my professional experience what had
previously been match days-especially when these fall on a weekend- are when
the fans are most at risk.” He goes on to explains that, “anyone
who doubts the strength of what has been termed Post Season Blues (PSB) clearly
fails to appreciate the intensity of the passions aroused by the ‘beautiful
game’. The fans conscious mind has little or no control over the powerful
emotions generated.”
Other findings revealed that six out of ten fans dread the end of
the football season and the “replacement” activities they would have to
participate in. Off-season fears included having to go shopping with
their partners (16%), not having an excuse to go to the pub (13%) and a
shocking 6% fearing having to spend more time with loved ones and partners.
Dr David Lewis describes how the
excitement of a hard fought match and especially their team’s victory, releases
a cascade of potent ‘feel good’ chemicals coursing through the pleasure centres
of the fan’s brain. Among the most powerful of these mind-altering chemicals is
the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is capable of generating feelings not just
of excitement but also of euphoria. As a result, when the season ends, they
experience ‘withdrawal’ symptoms including agitation, irritability, anxiety and
a sense of emptiness in their lives. The fan’s sleep may also be affected, with
early waking becoming more common.
Dr David Lewis recommends a
number of proactive approaches to avoid succumbing to PSB this Saturday
including anticipating the “void” and making plans to fill your time in advance
of what would have been match day. Gillette Football Club is the perfect
antidote to any PSB sufferer who needs a soccer solution this weekend.
Now in its second year GFC has changed the way fans enjoy football
allowing users to access the latest goals, highlights, news and statistics from
over 50 different clubs, including Manchester City FC, Chelsea FC, Paris
Saint-Germain, and Olympique de Marseille; as well as new and exclusive
content.
At sign up, you will have the option to select your favourite
leagues and clubs and have the latest videos delivered the moment they are available
so you can ward off PSB from the comfort of your own home! To prevent PSB this
off-season visit www.youtube.com/gillettefootballclub
Do you think you are at risk from
PSB? Take the test to find out more…. Gillette Football Club Post Season Blues Questionnaire
