How one Sheffield United-mad family kept love of Blades alive during lockdown - by creating their own version of Monopoly

Premier League football has been missing for almost two months now because of the coronavirus crisis - but two young Sheffield United fans have come up with a novel way of getting their Blades fix, and alleviating a bit of lockdown boredom in the process.
By Danny Hall
Published 4th May 2020, 15:53 BST
Updated 11th May 2020, 12:10 BST
Isabelle and Hollie with their SUFC MonopolyIsabelle and Hollie with their SUFC Monopoly
Isabelle and Hollie with their SUFC Monopoly

Blades fan Paul Bramall and his wife Donna helped their daughters Hollie, eight, and Isabelle, five, design a Blades version of Monopoly that featured famous United landmarks as well as players, and quickly went viral.

The idea proved such a hit that Hollie and Isabelle were enlisted by family members to produce versions of their game for West Ham United, Leicester City... and even city rivals Sheffield Wednesday!

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Paul told The Star: "The girls are out doing their daily exercise but naturally, a lot of time is spent indoors currently so we have been playing a lot of games. One of our favourites is Monopoly and they were keen to do their own version.

"It was a family effort. Donna designed the board and drew the badge and the girls decided on which 24 players they wanted to use, and put them in order of value (I supervised that part!)

"Our United landmarks replaced the stations; Man Friday chippy, The Cricketers, London Road and, of course, Bramall Lane."

The girls used Panini cards for the Blades players, and used the Monopoly money as millions. Other Blades 'in-jokes' include Chris Wilder going for a pint, Ben Osborn's love of reading and Garth Crooks' criticism.

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"The girls are big Blades and are season ticket holders," Paul added.

Some of the adapted Monopoly cardsSome of the adapted Monopoly cards
Some of the adapted Monopoly cards

"Isabelle has been to four away games this season and Hollie has been to them all except two.

"We are missing it a lot so this felt like something to keep the Blades in our minds. Hopefully, the school appreciate this more than they did me collecting Hollie at 2pm to take her to Reading for an FA Cup game!

"I can honestly say it was fun making it and we have all genuinely enjoyed playing it. We can't play when their baby sister Jorgie is about, though, as the game gets turned upside down!"

A message from the Editor:

Isabelle, 5Isabelle, 5
Isabelle, 5

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The adapted SUFC Monopoly boardThe adapted SUFC Monopoly board
The adapted SUFC Monopoly board

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Related topics:BladesWest Ham United

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