Going the Extra Mile: ‘Home supporters applauded us as we left’ – A Southampton fan’s visit to Israel

As proud sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is celebrating the fans who Go the Extra Mile to follow their team’s journey across Europe

The UEFA Europa League is seeing more and more fans go above and beyond as they show their love and commitment to their teams.

The competition is once again offering supporters a unique chance to travel to some of the most far-flung footballing outposts, as Southampton fan Dan James discovered first-hand when his side were pitted against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in this season’s group stage.

The university student gave up what was supposed to be a well-deserved summer break, working every waking hour in order to fund a journey he never imagined he’d have the opportunity to make.

“Initially I wasn’t going to go,” he confessed. “The distance was slightly off-putting, and I was also wary of the situation in the region.

“But come decision-time, I went for it. I finished my second year at uni in May and from then until mid-July I worked 5 or 6 days a week at my local supermarket – plus I was football coaching on top of that, to be able to afford these trips. So much for a summer break!”

This is the first time the Saints have ever played in the group stages of a European competition, and the 2,300m trip to Israel was always going to prove the ultimate test even for the club’s most dedicated followers.

“We got flights from Stansted at midnight the day before, which meant a drive up to London on Wednesday night,” explained Dan, who, not for the first time, would sacrifice a proper night’s sleep for his team . “We flew via Istanbul and landed in Tel Aviv around 09:30 local time.

“We had a bit of down time before the transport provided by Southampton FC picked us up by the beach in Tel-Aviv to shuttle us to the town.”

And what of Be’er Sheva itself?

“We went to a local bazaar. It was incredibly chaotic but the atmosphere was great. The traders were competing for custom and everyone was very friendly.”

The friendliness didn’t end there as the local supporters in the stadium were very keen to meet their guests.

“We did a lap of the stadium and one local family couldn’t believe we’d come all the way from England, and asked us to take a picture with them. After the game, the Be’er Sheva players and fans applauded us.

“Some of the home supporters were even escorted over to us by stewards so they too could take pictures with us. Overall, the reception was great!”

Though he didn’t get to see a goal, the journey was well worth it.

“To experience a very different football culture to what we’re used to back home was refreshing, and the noise their supporters generated was deafening,” he said.

And it’s not just games Dan goes the extra mile for in his support of Southampton. “Not only do I support the club but I also work and fundraise for the Saints Foundation charity,” he revealed. “In the past few years I’ve completed fundraising bike-rides from Southampton to Aston Villa and Leicester, and last season from Palace to St Mary’s.”

Dan left the bike at home when he flew to Milan to see Saints meet Inter at the San Siro –which was his 96th consecutive live match.

“Not too long ago European football would best be described as a dream, and now it’s a reality! Southampton performing on a continental stage against some big names in football is crazy. The only reason we’d play Inter Milan before would be a friendly. Now we’re playing them competitively. You just couldn’t make it up.”

Wherever your team takes you this season, Enterprise Rent-A-Car can help you get there with a network of car hire locations that covers the vast majority of UEFA Europa League countries. Fans going the extra mile to support their team can receive a 5% discount when booking their Enterprise Rent-A-Car online, by using the code UELFANS. Go #Beyondthegame and visit www.enterprise.co.uk to follow your team’s journey