Jamie Redknapp: 'Kids get so much from being in a team'

Football personality Jamie Redknapp is a busy man. He juggles his work as a commentator for Sky Sports and the face of Beko's FA Cup support, with family life alongside his wife Louise and kids, Charley and Beau. Goodtoknow caught up with him to find out how he does it!

What do you all like to do as a family at the weekend?

My weekends revolve around football and family! If I'm not working on a match for Sky Sports then I take the boys to play football for their local team. It's really important for kids to have hobbies and keep active and I've always encouraged them to do so. It can be hard to juggle when working but we prioritise and make it work between us. That's why I'm pleased to be a part of the Beko Mum of the Season campaign with The FA Cup, it's not just talking about kids being involved in something, it's an active initiative.

Do your sons love football?

Yes, they're at the age where they're really starting to get into it. Charley plays quite regularly, whereas Beau's a bit too young, but they both love playing. I would be happy no matter what hobbies they have but I guess they see how involved I still am and take an interest too.

Are your boys similar in personality?

They're both very different characters but they're great kids. They make us laugh. Half term is always a challenge to find new things to do with them, but because there isn't too much of an age gap between them so we can take them to the same places now to keep them occupied.

What's your favourite thing about being a dad?

Just spending quality time with them. I love taking them to play football at the weekend and it's nice to see them get so much from being involved with a team. As they develop, so do their characters and that's what I'm most proud of, they are great boys. I'm very close with my Dad and I always wanted to ensure the same relationship with my kids.

Can you cook? Do you have a signature dish?

I try, I'm not too bad! I would say my signature dish would be pasta - I make a nice chicken arrabiata. I haven't given anyone food poisoning just yet!

What's your favourite dish that Louise cooks?

Louise is a great cook but she'd be the first to admit that she doesn't enjoy it! I tried to get her to cook some of the dishes she learnt from presenting Something For The Weekend but she wasn't having any of it!

How do you manage to juggle your work and family?

We're very lucky that we have flexible jobs and can work it out between us, but we share the responsibility just like any other working family.

Are you good on the barbecue?

We love the BBQ - it's great in the summer and easy when the kids are playing in the garden so you can keep an eye on them.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always knew I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps and become a footballer. I couldn't have imagined doing anything else. I felt so lucky to have played professionally, it's an opportunity you need to appreciate.

We spoke to Jamie at the launch of the Beko Mum of the Season competition.

Where to next?

- Things to make or do outdoors - Family summer fun - Retro outdoor kids' games