Hi ya, and welcome to Fitba Hopper!
If you’re new here, you might be wondering what this whole blog is about. In short, it’s about football, travel, and tackling life’s challenges head-on.
Tell me more….
For the last few years, I’ve been working in further education, a job I love, but my life recently took a sharp turn. After being diagnosed with a life-threatening health condition and following a long period of absence for treatment, I realised it was time for a me to do something a wee bit different with my spare time.
Coming through that experience (I am on the mend, thankfully!) has unfortunately left me with some un-welcome side effects – the most severe being persistent fatigue, anxiety, low mood and a dip in my general fitness. I knew I had to find a goal big enough to force me out of my comfort zone and get me moving again. Well, that goal is called ground hopping!
But what is Ground Hopping?
Simply put, ground hopping is the hobby of travelling to different football grounds to watch matches. It’s not just about supporting one team; it’s about the experience of the game, the atmosphere, and the journey itself.
The 42 Ground Hop Challenge
My recovery challenge is a big one: I’m aiming to visit the grounds of all 42 teams in the Scottish Professional Football Leagues in a single 12 month period which means visiting a new ground most Saturday’s for a 3pm kick off.
This isn’t just a physical test; it’s my personal mission to beat the side effects of my condition – getting out and about, moving around, and having a definitive goal is the antidote I need to help beat the fatigue!
I’m approaching this challenge systematically. I’ll be starting with SPFL League 2 and completing all grounds in that division before moving up to the next league, and so on.
When Does The Hopping Begin?
This whole adventure kicks off on the 1st of November 2025. My very first ground hop will be a trip to watch Elgin City v Annan Athletic in League 2.
But this challenge is about so much more than just ticking off football grounds or watching a game of football. It means travelling up to the highlands, (in winter, too! What am I thinking?) and down to Dumfries and the numerous other places in-between. I’m excited to learn about the local history and association between the area and their football club and to explore towns and villages I’d probably otherwise never visit.
It’s the perfect opportunity to see a bit more of Scotland and to aid my recovery, one football ground at a time!
Follow the Hop
I’d love for you to follow this journey! Whether you’re a fellow hopper, a football fan, or just looking for a bit of inspiration due to finding yourself in similar circumstances, you can follow every step.
Be sure to follow my social media channels for real-time updates from the grounds, and check in on the blog each week for my latest reflections, photos, and stories from the road!
Let the ground hopping begin!
Wish me luck! Paul.