Football is important to Brits in funeral planning, Co-op finds

Football is just as important to Brits in death, as it is in life, according to latest findings by Co-op Funeralcare, as football tops are the sixth most common coffin keepsake and football grounds rank among the top 10 non-traditional locations for people to hold their funeral. 

It comes as the member-owned organisation found that Brits are increasingly looking to incorporate aspects into funeral arrangements that are more personalised, including their passion for their cherished football club. 

The report also found that an estimated 38 million people (68%) in the UK believe funerals are coming more of a ‘celebration of life’ rather than a time of reflection, showing a rise from a previous study by the funeral provider in 2019, when the percentage stood at 58%. 

Football tops, being the sixth most common coffin keepsake, has beat flowers, pictures or drawings in popularity, while You’ll Never Walk Along – Liverpool FC’s anthem – ranks at number seven on Co-op Funeralcare’s most recent funeral music chart, beating more traditional choices such as All Things Bright and Beautiful. 

In addition, six in 10 – or 57% – of Co-op’s funeral directors also reported an uptick in requests for services to take place outside of traditional religious settings. 

Gill Stewart, managing director of Co-op Funeralcare, said: “Incorporating a loved one’s individuality, such as their passion for their football club, into a service, not only helps to reflect the life of the individual, but it can also support family and friends through their grieving process, and in some cases add a sense of levity to an otherwise difficult time.”