England Superfan Invests £20,000 in World Cup Family Adventure
Owen Pickering, a devoted father of seven and a lifelong England football enthusiast, is embarking on an ambitious journey to the World Cup with five of his children. The 61-year-old from Crawley, West Sussex, is allocating a substantial sum of £20,000 for this memorable expedition, which includes visits to Disney World in Florida. As a seasoned supporter with 62 caps, Owen has consistently followed the Three Lions across the globe, earning the esteemed title of a 'top capper' among England's most loyal fans.
Financial Commitment and Strategic Planning
Owen, who operates his own finance firm, has meticulously organized the trip to balance excitement with practicality. He has secured accommodation in Kissimmee, Florida, to facilitate access to both the Disney World Resort and the football matches. The comprehensive budget encompasses £6,500 for flights, £6,000 for Disney World passes, £3,000 for lodging, £1,350 for tickets to England's potential round of 16 clash with Mexico, £1,500 for knockout round tickets, £200 for US visas, and £800 for a 12-seater hire vehicle.
However, this venture is not without significant financial risks. Owen has opted to skip the group stage matches, scheduling the trip from July 4 to July 19. He is relying on England, led by Harry Kane, to advance to the later rounds. By booking flights and tickets for the July 5 match against Mexico, he faces the possibility of losing his investment if England fails to win their group. Owen remarked, "If we win the group, we go to Mexico, so I have flights and tickets for that, which is a risk. I could lose my money if they do not win the group."
Loyalty Rewards and Additional Expenditures
Thanks to his unwavering dedication, Owen procured tickets priced at $60 (£45) through the official FA England fans club. Nonetheless, he had already purchased other seats before FIFA introduced this discounted offer for loyal supporters. Additionally, he incurred expenses for Disney World tickets, further inflating the overall cost. Reflecting on the financial outlay, Owen noted that following England's qualifying campaign had already cost him £25,000, and without the cheaper tickets, expenses would have escalated dramatically. "To buy all the way to the final probably would have cost a family of four around £30,000," he added, expressing gratitude for the savings.
Owen's sons, Sheldon and Nathan, who accompany him to games regularly, each boast 60 caps. His children Georgia, Ashleigh, Nathan, Ellis, Sheldon, Shayan, and seven-year-old Aiden are part of this adventure, with five of them joining the trip. Owen explained, "I spent a lot of money on tickets and flights to the US because I wanted to make sure we were there. If I had waited, the price of the flights did come down but of course you do not know that when booking so far in advance."
Balancing Family Enjoyment with Football Passion
This expedition represents a harmonious blend of family leisure and sporting fervor. By incorporating Disney World into the itinerary, Owen ensures that his children experience both entertainment and the thrill of international football. As a fan of Manchester United and Crawley Town, his passion for the sport is deeply ingrained, driving him to undertake this costly yet heartfelt endeavor. Despite the financial strain and scheduling uncertainties, Owen remains committed to creating lasting memories with his family while supporting England on the global stage.
