With kick off just around the corner we were interested to find out how it will affect the dating scene for singles. Match discovered that women are decisive when it comes to which footballers they find most desirable- but it might not be enough to keep those ladies who are football-phobes hooked for ninety minutes.

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

We spoke to dating expert Kate Taylor about all things football and romance to help singles anticipate the pitfalls.

What is the appeal of a footballer to singles?

Footballers are young, often well-paid and in great shape so there is a lot to be attracted to. Also, footballers often have a competitive, ambitious "Alpha" personality, which can be very attractive to women.

How will the football being on affect the dating scene?

Footie fans will obviously have plans to watch games - but the Euro 2016 calendar is now set, so we all know which nights are blocked-out for sport. If you're in a relationship, get a wallchart so you know the vital fixtures and accept that romance and dates are unlikely on those days. Unless of course you both love football, in which case watching a match together in a sports bar or pub could actually make for a fun, light-hearted date.

What if two singles have a lot in common all except for who they support; is there hope for them?

This is usually fine and can be handled with some good-natured banter. That is, until children come on the scene, at which point things can become tense as each parent wants the child to support THEIR team. But a loving couple should be able to work things out, with compromise, discussion, and perhaps a little bribery.

If the teams are die-hard rivals - like Sunderland and Newcastle, or Manchester United and Manchester City - then the couple will have to work slightly harder to overcome their prejudices, and those of their family and friends. It's amazing how deep the rivalry can go!

What are your top tips for if a couple are compatible in every way, however one is passionate about football while the other can't stand the game?

1) The non-fan needs to make the most of match days. When your partner is away at a game or glued to the TV, you can shop, have a massage, see your friends, hit the gym. Fill the time with activities you love so you don't feel neglected.

2) The fan needs to build a crowd of fellow footie-lovers, so they can discuss the games and the intricacies of the manager's latest line-up, with them instead of their partner. Don't make the mistake of believing you have to have everything in common with your partner; as long as you have someone to share your love of football with, it's all good.

3) Combine football trips with sightseeing. If you travel to away games, make a romantic weekend of it occasionally and go out to dinner afterwards, and stay in a nice hotel. You don't always have to travel up on the coach and hit the pubs afterwards.

Is it worth not watching a game for the chance to find love?

I don't think you have to choose between dates or football. Games are only 90 minutes long - you can easily meet before or afterwards. I met my husband on Match in 2010, during the World Cup. He actually scheduled our first date to be at 3pm on 27th June - exactly the same time as England were due to be coming onto the pitch against Germany! He's a HUGE football fan, so I'm not sure what caused that oversight. But knowing how busy any pub would be at that time, I tactfully suggested we moved it to the evening instead. So we met at 8pm, and I like to think that meeting me took his mind off England's woeful, 4-1 defeat.


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