The Adventures of a Football Mom: A Journey Across the World

by Margo Markvoot - Collaborator

When my son Julian first laced up his football boots at the tender age of four, little did we know that we were kicking off a thrilling adventure that would take us across continents and cultures. Football quickly became the heartbeat of our family, igniting a passion that would lead us on an unforgettable journey filled with goals, victories, and life lessons. Fast forward to when Julian was 14, bursting with excitement about trying out for a prestigious team in Germany. He reminded us of our family motto: “Never live with regrets.” With that spark of inspiration, my husband and I exchanged a knowing glance and made a game-changing decision that would redefine our lives forever.

A Football Mom

We sold half of our business, packed our lives into suitcases, and set off to embrace the beautiful game in Europe. Our new home cities—Germany, England, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—became our playgrounds. Each year was filled with exhilarating challenges: mastering new languages, navigating different cultures, and starting fresh in vibrant neighborhoods. But every challenge brought us closer as a family, turning each move into a new chapter of laughter, lessons, and unforgettable football moments.

Our boys flourished like stars on the pitch. They picked up new languages as easily as they dribbled past defenders, made friends from every corner of the globe, and developed a profound appreciation for the beautiful game’s rich diversity. Watching them chase their dreams with relentless passion made every sacrifice feel like a small price to pay for the joy of seeing them thrive. Now, at 20 and 23, they are still living their football dreams—scoring goals and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Julian at a young age

For me, being a football mom has meant so much more than just cheering from the sidelines; it’s been about diving headfirst into the unknown and adapting to change like a true champion. I’ve learned to navigate bustling stadiums filled with passionate fans, experience the thrill of last-minute goals, and celebrate victories that felt like they were written in the stars. It’s been an incredible privilege to witness the world through my sons’ eyes and share in their triumphs and challenges on and off the field.

And guess what? The journey is far from over! As we gear up for next season, the question “Where to next?” hangs in the air like an exciting penalty kick waiting to be taken. Will it be another bustling city with vibrant football culture? Or perhaps a quiet town where we can discover hidden gems? One thing is certain: we’ll pack our bags once more, ready for the next adventure—proudly following our boys’ dreams wherever they lead us.

Because at the end of the day, this life as a football mom isn’t just about the sport; it’s about family, resilience, and living life without regrets. So here’s to more matches under dazzling stadium lights, more memories shared over post-game celebrations, and more adventures on this incredible journey we call life!

Julian showing how he handles the ball

As we lace up our boots for whatever comes next, I can’t help but feel grateful for every moment—the laughter after a tough loss, the camaraderie formed with fellow parents at tournaments, and most importantly, witnessing my sons grow not just as athletes but as remarkable young men chasing their passions. So let’s keep this adventure rolling because in football—and in life—the best is yet to come!