Matchday Rituals: Tenasheh

My older cousins and aunty instilled Arsenal in me from a young age – they made supporting the club look so cool. I guess when I was six, the Arsenal blood kicked in. My first game was with my mum in 2004, Martin Keown’s testimonial. That was it. I was hooked.

Today, after all those years, I have a matchday ritual of my own. I kick things off on the train with music to get into the zone. But as soon as I step out at Arsenal station, the headphones come off: I want to soak in the buzz. The short walk from Arsenal station to Emirates Stadium sets the tone, it’s iconic. You see generations of fans, wearing everything from Bergkamp shirts to Saka tops. I always walk in the road, it feels like a mini carnival. Then I bound up the Emirates stairs, skipping a step – it gets the quads burning.

The stadium itself is a work of art, and the pitch – the carpet – is flawless. The pre-match songs, the energy… goosebumps, every time. As a sports teacher, I grab a matchday programme for my students, we’ve got loads of Gooners at college, so it sparks great chats the next day. I’m always inside at least 45 minutes early to watch the warm-up – it’s a small way of backing the players before the whistle blows.

Alongside football, I’m a keen runner. Running has given me more than just fitness, it’s given me connection. Whether training solo or turning up to group runs, there’s an unspoken bond. 

Alcohol-free drinks don’t interrupt my training. Athletic Brewing lets me enjoy the experience and celebrate my accomplishments/triumphs without the hangover. Marathon training is mental as much as physical, so choosing alc-free options allows me to stay goal-focused, even in social settings. It keeps the vibes strong!

Football supporters and runners both have rituals, routines and that shared commitment. It’s more than just a game or a race – it’s identity. Whether it’s your club badge or your running crew tee, it tells people who you are.

If you’re running the big race in London this weekend, make sure to grab a sample can of Athletic Brewing near the finish line!”