Family, Friends, Football
Jamie Boyce, England
We have teamed up with MiXR, the app that helps you find the best pubs and bars to watch football, to showcase the diversity of fan and pub culture throughout England and Scotland during the 2024 Euros. Eight passionate fans have documented the tournament atmosphere at MiXR pubs across the UK while cheering on their national team to show there is a place for any fan, whatever you’re for.
Jamie Boyce has been obsessed with football ever since he can remember and cheered on England from The Bell Walthamstow.
My name is Jamie Boyce. I am 31 years old, live in London, and have been a football fan for as long as I can remember. Whether it is Premier League, non-league, the women's game, or leagues abroad - I am always consuming football.
I am fortunate to work in the football media world as a freelance Presenter/Producer so football dominates the majority of my life - and I would not have it any other way. I have most recently worked with West Ham, CBS and COPA90 and have been fortunate enough to travel all over Europe watching football as part of my job.
Now as a full time freelancer, I have started my own show called Club Grub, where I explore the best match day food spots for each football team up and down the country. I cannot pick a favourite as it would not be fair to the fans of each club - but West Ham's Pie & Mash has a place close to my heart.
Outside of supporting England, I am also a West Ham fan. So is my dad and his dad, so I had no choice in the matter.
Strangers And Friends
I support my club and country like most people - by not tempting fate and hoping that our striker scores a hat trick.
The first match I went to was England vs Brazil at Old Wembley in 2000. Even though it ended 1-1, I caught the football bug from there. Since then, I have followed England religiously throughout tournaments, qualifiers, and friendlies. I have even been to some U-21 games.
A high point for me was England vs Germany on my 30th birthday and watching the Germans bottle a lead on the day. A low was losing to Iceland in the Euros. If I am not at the ground watching live, I am often at a bar or pub with my mates soaking in the game because it is a chance to watch the sport I love while spending time with the people I love.
Some people in the pub are friends and some are strangers. However, they all have one thing in common - supporting England. The best thing about England playing in tournaments is that it unites everyone in the same direction even when society can feel at its most divided.
I am toying with booking a flight to Germany and finding a ticket to a game whilst out there. For now, I will watch from the pub in London with my mates to cheer the boys on. It’s coming home!
