141. Association football culture

Football culture is a descriptive term of the cultural aspects surrounding the game of . This article explores aspects surrounding the game itself, as well as that of the players, and society itself.In many countries, football has ingrained itself into the national culture, and many parts of life revolve around it.

Many countries have daily football , as well as football . Football players, especially in the top levels of the game, have become role models and aspirational ideals for many people. The game itself has now become glamourised, with many children practising the game and aspiring to the wealth shown off by the top footballers (it may be argued that, for most footballers, this extravagant lifestyle is unrealistic).

Derby matches, or matches between two neighbouring rival clubs, are often fiercely competitive and provide a spectacle in football both for the supporters. Sometimes there are underlying and tensions. The term often applies to matches between two local teams from the same city or region. However it is sometimes used to refer to matches between big clubs from the same country - these can be found in the article.

Match programmes are an integral part of football matches in the UK and Ireland. They are sold inside and outside stadiums before, and sometimes during, matches. In their most simple form, they provide basic information on the teams, players, and match officials. Larger clubs usually produce multiple-page programmes with a number of common features such as comments.

The manager and club captain, interviews with players, ex-players and backroom staff, information about ticketing arrangements for forthcoming matches, a detailed fixture list and review of the team's season so far, competitions, pages for junior fans, and a detailed feature on the opposition. Programmes from some matches are now collectible items, and can fetch a lot of money at auction.