Iain Meiklejohn, a father from Edinburgh, believes that his son Aleks will learn more valuable lessons from traveling to Germany to watch Scotland play in the Euros than he would from school. As a long-time member of the Tartan Army, Iain is determined to share his passion for football with his 12-year-old son, even if it means missing some school lessons.
In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime, Iain expressed his confidence that Aleks will benefit more from experiencing the highs and lows of being a Scotland fan during an important tournament than from the routine school lessons that wind down towards the end of the term. Together, Iain and Aleks will be following the Scotland football team as they compete in the 2024 Euro Championships in Germany.
Their journey will take them from Frankfurt to Munich, where they will witness Scotland’s first group stage match against Germany. They will then travel to Cologne and Stuttgart to support Scotland in their games against Switzerland and Hungary. Iain has made arrangements with work and Aleks’ school to ensure that they can stay for the duration of Scotland’s run in the tournament.
In an email to Aleks’ school, Iain described their trip as an educational experience that will allow them to study the intense emotions that come with supporting a national team in a major competition. He promised that Aleks would complete a detailed report upon his return. Despite any potential consequences for Aleks’ absence, Iain remains unfazed, emphasizing that the trip will provide invaluable life lessons for his son.
Iain, who also mentioned that Aleks’ mother is Polish, shared their family’s dual support for Poland and Scotland in football. However, with Scotland qualifying for the Euros this time, the focus is entirely on supporting the national team. Looking ahead, Iain revealed that Aleks aspires to see the world and become a pilot as he grows older.
While acknowledging the possibility of repercussions from the authorities for Aleks’ absence from school, Iain pointed out that they have previously attended several football events during term time without any negative consequences. He remains committed to providing Aleks with enriching experiences that go beyond the confines of a classroom, prioritizing the unique learning opportunities that come with being a dedicated football fan.