Fathers Strengthen Bonds With Their Children Through the Age Old Hobby of Trading Cards

London - June 2024 In a world where digital interactions often overshadow tangible experiences, two families have found a unique way to bridge generational gaps and cultivate shared passions through trading cards.

The card collecting pastime is thriving, with trading card sales increasing by an incredible 113% across Europe in 2021 alone[1] with 71% of adults across the UK reporting an increase in hobby engagement since the pandemic,[2]. Studies have suggested that hobbies like card collecting provide an outlet from anxiety and provide a sense of connection in an increasingly digital and isolated world.

Dom, or ‘PokeDom’, is an avid trading card collector who started his journey later in life and has developed a special bond with his youngest daughter, Darcy, through their shared interest in the hobby. They attend the London Card Show every quarter to spend time together and engage with the wider card collecting community. 

"Times have changed significantly since I started trading," Dom reflects. "The shift to online streams has opened up new opportunities for collectors, but the bond I share with Darcy over trading cards is truly special."

Ray and his son Max, who own Sniper Cards, share a special connection through their mutual interest in the hobby. Ray inherited his interest in trading cards from his father and became more seriously invested in the hobby when he discovered a rare and valuable vintage baseball card from the 1900s in his basement. Ray and Max attend the London Card Show every quarter where they enjoy spending time together immersing themselves in their shared interest while running their Sniper Cards table which sells a wide range of vintage and modern sports trading cards.

"We're addicts, we're passionate, and we love it," says Ray. "It's wonderful to share this hobby across generations. Max's enthusiasm for both vintage and modern cards is fantastic, as it also serves as a fascinating history lesson."

Both families emphasise the importance of tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world. They find immense joy in the physicality of trading cards and the connections they foster across ages. Having a mutual interest in a hobby has certainly brought them closer together.

The London Card Show plays a pivotal role in bringing young and old together through trading cards, an age-old hobby that still thrives in popularity today. As the biggest trading card show in Europe, it provides the perfect setting to explore new interests and build connections with those with shared interest.

Harry Reynolds, Founder of the London Card Show says, “My dad encouraged me to start the London Card Show. He always said to us, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Having a father who is supportive of and invested in your interests creates a truly unique bond.”

The London Card Show has been a huge success since it’s inception in 2021, having grown from 40 attendees to over 4,000 in 2024. Set to return for its 13th event over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of August, there will be over 600+ different vendor tables featuring the likes of Pokémon, Football, Formula 1, Basketball, Yu-Gi-Oh, Lorcana, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece and more! 

For more information, and interviews with London Card Show Founder Harry Reynolds, or PokeDom and Darcy, or Ray and Max, please contact shannon@plus1comms.com.

[1] https://hypebeast.com/2021/2/ebay-trading-card-report-142-percent-increase-in-sales-news

[2] John Worthington, UK Hobbies and Interests Market Report 2021, 2021.

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Editors notes

Founded in 2021, the London Card Show was set up with a singular mission: to bring card collectors of all types under one roof. What initially began as a gathering of 10 tables and 40 attendees has since blossomed into a spectacular weekend-long event, attracting over 4,000 enthusiasts from across the globe. Our journey has been ignited by your passion, and we are honoured to be recently crowned the UK’s Card Show of the Year - a true testament to the incredible card community!

About Harry Reynolds, Founder & CEO of the London Card Show

Harry Reynolds, a natural-born entrepreneur, embarked on his journey at a young age, continually seeking innovative ways to seize opportunities and bridge market gaps. His passion for trading cards began during university, where he turned a £10 investment into an impressive £10,000 after discovering the value of cards. Harry's YouTube live streams and TikTok presence catapulted him into the UK card community, where he gained recognition for his unique trading card mystery box breaks. With unwavering determination, he pioneered the London Card Show, and saw it evolve from a small gathering to Europe's largest card event. Harry's dedication has led to global recognition, and he remains committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive card community for enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

About Katie Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at the London Card Show

Katie Hughes, driven by a passion for creativity ignited during her school years, found her true calling in the world of marketing. After a marketing degree at university and six rewarding years within Hard Rock Cafe's marketing department, she embarked on a remarkable journey with the London Card Show. Initially unsure of what to expect from the card industry, she quickly fell in love with it. Her marketing strategy thrived on ingenuity, emphasising community engagement over traditional methods and achieving an exceptional 7% engagement rate, far surpassing industry standards. Her dedication and vision were instrumental in propelling the London Card Show to unprecedented success, doubling attendance and vendor tables within a year. Her dedication to her role, her family's support, and her commitment to the event's success have made her an indispensable asset to the London Card Show's remarkable transformation.