Football has always been something Kieran and his son have shared together.
As regular Arsenal supporters, they're no strangers to big matchdays and packed stadiums. But after attending StriveAid for the first time last year, they left feeling as though they'd experienced something completely different.
Now, with this year's event on the horizon, they're already looking forward to doing it all again.
A Matchday Experience Unlike Any Other
Travelling from Hertfordshire, Kieran wasn't quite sure what to expect when he and his son arrived at StriveAid 2025.
What immediately stood out wasn't just the football, it was the atmosphere.
"Everyone on the day seemed really friendly. We spoke to a lot of random people we'd never met before, so it was a really nice, really friendly atmosphere."
That feeling extended beyond the supporters.
For Kieran, one of the biggest differences between StriveAid and attending a Premier League fixture was how accessible everyone was.
"You go to Arsenal and you don't get that level of engagement. To be able to see people my son has seen on YouTube, who he follows, playing football, it was just a really great experience."
Rather than keeping their distance, former professionals and creators spent time chatting with supporters before kick-off, throughout the day and after the final whistle.
Meeting Roberto Carlos: A Moment That Stayed With Them
While there were plenty of highlights, one memory still stands above the rest.
During the match, Kieran and his son were invited pitchside to meet Brazil legend Roberto Carlos.
For his son, who has always loved Brazilian football, it became a moment he'll never forget.
"We got invited to go pitchside and meet Roberto Carlos in person. My son loves Brazil. For him, he always talks about that and says, 'I'd love to see him again.'"
Even before the game had started, watching Roberto Carlos practising his famous free-kicks became another unforgettable memory.
Kieran also remembers how much his son enjoyed seeing familiar faces from YouTube and watching former Premier League striker Aliadiere.
Why StriveAid Felt Different From a Premier League Match
For Kieran, StriveAid stood apart because the football was only one part of the experience.
"You felt more a part of it. You're not just watching a game. You felt like you were part of the actual day itself."
From the warm-ups to half-time interactions and the time players spent with supporters after the match, every part of the day felt designed to bring fans closer to the action.
"It wasn't just about the football. It was about all the build-up and then the after bit as well. The interactions with all the players and all the staff—they were great."
That level of connection is something Kieran believes has become increasingly rare in modern football.
"Players nowadays are not as relatable. They're much further away from the general public. What StriveAid did was give people experiences they never would have had before."
Why They're Returning for StriveAid 2026
For Kieran, the clearest sign of what StriveAid meant is how often his son still talks about it.
"Children don't remember most stuff. He probably couldn't tell you what he had for dinner last week, but he remembers what that day meant, for meeting Roberto Carlos, Gilberto and the YouTubers."
Returning this year was never really a question.
"He just can't wait to have that experience again because it's not something you can really go anywhere else for."
As for what he'd like to see this year?
The answer isn't wholesale changes or bigger attractions.
It's simply more of what made the first visit so memorable.
"As long as you've got the fan interaction and everyone's in good spirits, I think that's great."
For Kieran and his son, StriveAid wasn't simply another day watching football.
It became a shared memory one built on conversations, community and moments that felt impossible at an ordinary match.
And if this year's event creates even half as many memories as the last one, they'll be heading home with another story to tell.
For Kieran and his son, StriveAid became far more than a day of watching football. It was a chance to meet sporting heroes, connect with fellow supporters and create memories that have lasted long after the final whistle.
As they prepare to return this year, they're hoping to relive that same sense of community and add another unforgettable chapter to their family's football journey.
