Supporters Group Name Rethink ???

[Sport Billy]

Over the last few days of talking to press, friends, etc. I've come to realize that "Gateway City Supporters Club" is a mouthful.

Additionally, as has been pointed out, "supporters club" is understood.

Also, the current name has no zing.

I know we were in a bit of a rush when we decided and things have slowed somewhat. We now have until Sept 10 before the team makes any movement.

The logo is fantastic and we are too far along to reconsider that.
I also think "Gateway" and "Gateway City" are great as it brings in both sides of the river.

But, we are on the verge of going public with the supporters group and i think we need to be 100% certain on the name.

In light of the above and the fact that the press has brought about new names and faces, should we rethink the name?

I've spoken with KD and HaugenJ and we talked about still going with something that has a group connotation to it

Some suggestions:

Gateway (City) Guard
Gateway (City) Guardians
Gateway (City) Krewe - this brings in the French aspect but there might be some confusion having the Columbus Crew out there.
Maybe something involving "the Gate" or a gate.

So do we rethink?
Do you have any suggestions?

[sirfallsalot_2000]

I was actually in favor of Gateway Guardians or Gateway City Guard for a while, but eventually went with the GCSC. I think previously we wanted use our name to build up the fact we could get STL and MLS team. Well, now that everyone knows St. Louis might get a team, I think a little "edgier" name might be appropriate.

It will be a lot easier to get members once we get a team. Then the name might not need to be as descriptive as GCSC. What about the Gateway Guardians SC (supporters club)?

[Sport Billy]

I was actually in favor of Gateway Guardians or Gateway City Guard for a while, but eventually went with the GCSC. I think previously we wanted use our name to build up the fact we could get STL and MLS team. Well, now that everyone knows St. Louis might get a team, I think a little "edgier" name might be appropriate.

It will be a lot easier to get members once we get a team. Then the name might not need to be as descriptive as GCSC. What about the Gateway Guardians SC (supporters club)?
You have to leave off the SC because those not in the know may think we're just an amatuer Soccer Club

[PopsKrock]

I was actually in favor of Gateway Guardians or Gateway City Guard for a while, but eventually went with the GCSC. I think previously we wanted use our name to build up the fact we could get STL and MLS team. Well, now that everyone knows St. Louis might get a team, I think a little "edgier" name might be appropriate.

It will be a lot easier to get members once we get a team. Then the name might not need to be as descriptive as GCSC. What about the Gateway Guardians SC (supporters club)?


I vote for Gateway Guardians or Gateway City Guards.

[Nerazzuri]

My very first suggestion when we were brainstorming was

GateKeepers

a nice soccer-double entendre.

But, that would shorten the "Gateway" part, which I think we need to keep intact.

So, I now suggest:

Gateway Brigade

I like the way it sounds, and as you point out, it's shorter.

Aestetically, I like the idea of using two words that are both two syllables, seven letters. I think that will create a nice balance on the logo.

Furthermore, many of the MLS supporters clubs also double as Sams Army groups. I think Gateway Brigade works well in this regard.

On that note, anyone going to Chicago for the Sept 9 game against Brazil?

[CSMAC]

I would agree with SB that "supporters club" is a bit redundant. For what it's worth Gateway Guardians rolls off the tongue quite nicely and offers you the "United" feel you are try to convey with your group.

Just my 2 cents.

[StarvedPolygamist]

Long-time lurker here but new registrant, now that the plans are announced (Woohoo!!).

I like the sound of "Gateway Guard." Short and to the point, with a slight edginess to it, while retaining the united bi-state/both-river-shores "Gateway" motif.

New visitor at her 1st STL United game: Who are those lunatics singing over there?
Her friend: Oh, that's the Gateway Guard.

[TOTC]

Why not just "The Gateway" ?

Or "The Monticellans" because the arch is the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

You can always do something having to do with a distinguishing feature of the city -- The Loop, Cherokee Street, Forest Park, The Hill, etc.

Or pick a name of an amateur team from the past -- Shamrocks, Carondelets, or Kutis (rhymes with cooties?).

[IlliniOnFire]

I suppose "crusaders" wouldn't go over too well (although it would be fitting on multiple levels)

I wouldn't worry about it too much... if StL is like every other city, there are bound to be about 5 supporter's clubs by the time the first game starts...

that said, I don't think GCSC is necessarily bad, maybe coming up with a shorter nickname would be good though... i don't know

[KeeperDad30]

A Gateway Guardians group already exists and has that domain.
http://www.gatewayguardians.org/index.html

Although it seems like a fictious superhero/vigilante group.:confused:

I think "The Gateway City Guard" would be good.

[Sport Billy]

My very first suggestion when we were brainstorming was

GateKeepers


Sorry, everytime I see "GateKeepers" I think "Promise Keepers"

[storming06]

Gateway Guard would be my choice as well

[Sport Billy]

You can always do something having to do with a distinguishing feature of the city -- The Loop, Cherokee Street, Forest Park, The Hill, etc.


We wouldn't want people to think we are limited to a certain area.


Or pick a name of an amateur team from the past -- Shamrocks, Carondelets, or Kutis (rhymes with cooties?).
No, - it's koo tis. not ees

[SoccerYoda]

I'd be all for 'Gateway Guard' as well.

I know where we could get a logo.:D

[Monarch Bay Beachbum]

Gateway Knights

Knights of the Gateway

[Sport Billy]

I know where we could get a logo.:D

We have a logo. And what's best is that Cooper really likes it.

[jfranz]

"The Confluence Corps"

Suggests unity, geography, history, everything.

But, then again, the word "confluence" is a bit of a mouthful.

So, yeah, Gateway Guard sounds good too.

[Nerazzuri]

To me, Gateway Guard is a little to passive.

guard /gɑrd/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[gahrd] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object) 1. to keep safe from harm or danger; protect; watch over: to guard the ruler.
2. to keep under close watch in order to prevent escape, misconduct, etc.: to guard a prisoner.
3. to keep under control or restraint as a matter of caution or prudence: to guard one's temper.
4. to provide or equip with some safeguard or protective appliance, as to prevent loss, injury, etc.
5. Sports. to position oneself so as to obstruct or impede the movement or progress of (an opponent on offense): The linebacker moved to his right to guard the end going out for a pass.
6. Chess. to protect (a piece or a square) by placing a piece in a supportive or defensive position relative to it.
–verb (used without object) 7. to take precautions (usually fol. by against): to guard against errors.
8. to give protection; keep watch; be watchful.
–noun 9. a person or group of persons that guards, protects, or keeps a protective or restraining watch.
10. a person who keeps watch over prisoners or others under restraint.
11. a body of people, esp. soldiers, charged with guarding a place from disturbance, theft, fire, etc.
12. a close watch, as over a prisoner or other person under restraint: to be kept under guard.
13. a device, appliance, or attachment that prevents injury, loss, etc.
14. something intended or serving to guard or protect; safeguard: insurance as a guard against disasters.
15. a posture of defense or readiness, as in fencing, boxing, or bayonet drill.

Which is why i think Brigade works better. It's more active. Especially definition #3

bri·gade /brɪˈgeɪd/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[bri-geyd] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, verb, -gad·ed, -gad·ing.
–noun 1. a military unit having its own headquarters and consisting of two or more regiments, squadrons, groups, or battalions.
2. a large body of troops.
3. a group of individuals organized for a particular purpose: a fire brigade; a rescue brigade.
4. bucket brigade.
5. History/Historical. a convoy of canoes, sleds, wagons, or pack animals, esp. as used to supply trappers in the 18th- and 19th-century Canadian and U.S. fur trade.
–verb (used with object) 6. to form into a brigade.
7. to group together.

So I still say Gateway Brigade.

[equus]

The Archers.

In fact, that my not be a bad name for the team, either.

[sirfallsalot_2000]

If we were the Gatekeepers, we would all be searching for the Keymasters....