I’ll second everyone saying that watching games is the best way to develop an affinity for a club. But outside of that, it might be helpful to think in terms of general values. What matters to you as a fan. They might give you a better chance of picking an allegiance that’s likely to stick. For example:
• Do you want the comfort of a big club with history of success and no chance of relegation? Or would you prefer to cheer for a smaller club and experience the uncertain highs and lows? There’s something to be said for knowing you can always find a supporters group anywhere in the world. But some people prefer joining a smaller group and building their own collective identity.
• What does ownership and management mean to you? Is it ability and willingness to spend year in and year out? Is it making tough decisions with the meager funds you have? Do you care who’s pulling the purse strings and how they do it? What do existing fans think about their owners?
• What aesthetic are you drawn to? The colors, the vibes, even the crest or the chants. It sounds superficial, but you’re gonna want to feel good wearing the jersey and singing the songs.
• Can you see yourself spending time in the town/city? At some point you’re going to want to take a trip to see a match in person. Do you have a preference for the big city vs. the smaller town?
I’m sure you can think of other values and dealbreakers on your own. But I bet that once you figure out what really matters to you on a personal level, you’ll have a pretty easy job narrowing down the options.
I’ll second everyone saying that watching games is the best way to develop an affinity for a club. But outside of that, it might be helpful to think in terms of general values. What matters to you as a fan. They might give you a better chance of picking an allegiance that’s likely to stick. For example:
• Do you want the comfort of a big club with history of success and no chance of relegation? Or would you prefer to cheer for a smaller club and experience the uncertain highs and lows? There’s something to be said for knowing you can always find a supporters group anywhere in the world. But some people prefer joining a smaller group and building their own collective identity.
• What does ownership and management mean to you? Is it ability and willingness to spend year in and year out? Is it making tough decisions with the meager funds you have? Do you care who’s pulling the purse strings and how they do it? What do existing fans think about their owners?
• What aesthetic are you drawn to? The colors, the vibes, even the crest or the chants. It sounds superficial, but you’re gonna want to feel good wearing the jersey and singing the songs.
• Can you see yourself spending time in the town/city? At some point you’re going to want to take a trip to see a match in person. Do you have a preference for the big city vs. the smaller town?
I’m sure you can think of other values and dealbreakers on your own. But I bet that once you figure out what really matters to you on a personal level, you’ll have a pretty easy job narrowing down the options.