Jacob decided to delay getting on the property ladder to take his grandfather on an unforgettable trip to North America
Jacob Allmendinger and his grandfather Geoff are travelling to the US during the World Cup(Image: SWNS)
A dedicated football fan from East Yorkshire has given up the £10,000 he’d been putting aside for a house deposit to splash out on taking his grandfather on a once-in-a-lifetime World Cup adventure. Jacob Allmendinger, 21, insists he has “no regrets” about using his life savings on the ultimate trip with grandfather Geoff Golliker, 80.
He’d been saving for five years with the ambition of eventually buying his own property. However, he’s chosen to postpone getting onto the housing ladder and is set to jet off to the United States with his grandad.
Jacob, of North Ferriby, said: “I can always make money back, I’m at the age where I can afford to miss out on a house for two or three years. But I won’t ever get to go to the World Cup with my grandad again.”
The duo have planned an action-packed tour of North America built around England’s World Cup fixtures. Jacob said: “Inviting my grandad was a no-brainer. He agreed straight away.”
The pair will attend England’s match against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday and are hoping to support the Three Lions throughout the tournament should they advance.
Jacob, who began supporting Hull City alongside Geoff when he was younger, explained that football has taken on even greater significance for them since he sadly lost his grandmother in 2020.
He said: “Since my grandma passed, football has been very important for our relationship. It has definitely strengthened our relationship.”
The devoted grandson explained that their connection extends well beyond football. He said: “We get on like a house on fire. We’re more best mates than grandad and grandson.”
The duo regularly support the Tigers both home and away, and were amongst the supporters at Wembley when City clinched promotion to the Premier League in May. Jacob said: “I started booking the World Cup trip a year ago because it’s quite complex, it’s surreal to think it’s just days away now.”
Their schedule will see them arrive in New York with plans to travel to Philadelphia, Atlanta, Mexico City and Miami before returning to New York. However, Jacob emphasised that the sport itself is only part of the experience.
He said: “Football is only five per cent of the overall trip, I’m looking forward to travelling round North America together. If England win it would mean the absolute world. I’m always very confident we’ll win, and my grandad says he’s quietly confident too.”
Geoff, who previously worked in insurance, described the invitation as an “instant yes” and said his excitement is growing day by day. He said: “As we get closer and closer, I am really excited. Adrenaline is starting to build and I’m really looking forward to it.”
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