"US Soccer Fan Club" proposed in the ussoccer.com survey

[Brunken]

I think it is great that US Soccer is finally asking for feedback from their fans, but I, as a leader of a supporters group, is very concerned with what was presented in the survey.

The majority of the survey was about a new idea from US Soccer, but not a new idea to American Outlaws and Sams Army. They want to start a US Soccer Fan Club, that does the same thing as American Outlaws.

I know that nothing has been established yet, but we need to start discussing this now, so we can let US Soccer know what we want. I know AO won't be constrained by corporate hesitance and red tape like they will, so we can still provide what the fans really desire. It will just make the job of AO even harder, why can't we just work together.

This is what they are asking to provide:
-U.S. Soccer ticket pre-sales
-Exclusive complimentary U.S. Soccer Fan Club merchandise
-First Priority to purchase World Cup tickets
-Opportunity to connect and interact with other U.S. Soccer Fan Club
members online
-Viewing Parties

This stuff is what is created by independent supporters groups already, where AO is spending their own time and money, without making a penny to do the above. AO and SA have already established these relationships and network and structure with the fans already. I would ask US Soccer to work together with us, not compete. Things would be much better for the Sport in this country in the long run if we work together and not compete. AO and SA have been doing a good job, working together through out this year. We can work together.

These are things that USSF can work with us to provide, since we
already provide the above, and these are good ideas to add.
-Access to exclusive online audio/video content
-Discounts at ussoccerstore.com
-Chance to win behind-the-scenes experience

I am not sure what their actual plan is. But I would plea to USSF to work together with Supporters Groups already established to grow the Sport not Compete, which is what would happen if they provided all of the above in a USSF funded "Fan Club".

Supporters groups rely on sales of Merch, Presale Tickets, Viewing Parties, and our community to support the events that we do. We do not make any money, but just survive, I don't know about Sams Army, but I am sure they are in the same boat.

Let me and AO know, what you think on this thread or at info@theamericanoutlaws.com

Thanks or your input, we always care what are members think,
Justin Brunken
The American Outlaws
jbrunken@theamericanoutlaws.com

[thethinwhiteduke]

I am certainly in favor of the USSF trying to interact with the fans and create a unified support group. I am just skeptical of their ability to do so given their lack of interest in even getting away tickets for supporters.

[Tonkdaddy14]

I cannot get over how lame a supporters group ran by the federation would be. While some of the exclusive content would be cool, we cant have U.S. soccer destroying fan run supporters groups by doing their job. U.S. soccer and their corporate sponsors have an image to maintain, and I have a feeling that if they started to run the show everything would become more politically correct and family friendly. Even Nike, who does an amazing job of supporting supporters groups, asks that we distance ourselves from their trailers so it does not appear that Nike is throwing a tripple kegger. I feel like if they go foward with this, they will destroy the intimacy of being a U.S. soccer fan.

[thethinwhiteduke]

I cannot get over how lame a supporters group ran by the federation would be. While some of the exclusive content would be cool, we cant have U.S. soccer destroying fan run supporters groups by doing their job. U.S. soccer and their corporate sponsors have an image to maintain, and I have a feeling that if they started to run the show everything would become more politically correct and family friendly. Even Nike, who does an amazing job of supporting supporters groups, asks that we distance ourselves from their trailers so it does not appear that Nike is throwing a tripple kegger. I feel like if they go foward with this, they will destroy the intimacy of being a U.S. soccer fan.

I think the main benefit that can be gained by having a USSF supporters group would be access to World Cup tickets. Let's be honest, they are the toughest tickets to get and the process is often difficult. If they had some kind of system to reward its loyal supporters with access to World Cup tickets, then it would be worth it. Of course, it would also help if they offered access to US supporters wanting to travel to away matches. But that is another issue entirely.

[NYC_COSMOS]

Federation run supporter's group? Have men in this country LOST THEIR FCUKING BALLS???

Worst yet is even considering joining the group!!!

If we let the federation run the group then its not about supporters but rather about the federation. This in turn will require supporters to follow the guidelines and rules of the federation instead of the rules of the supporters.

Have we lost our freedom in this country or what? I'm surprised that more people aren't outraged because of this. Imagine if this happened anywhere else in the world. It would be crazy. The federation should be there to HELP SUPPORTERS NO MATTER WHAT, not just those that plunk money down to be part of some fcuking lame supporters group headed by the puppet Sunil Gulati.

Disgraceful, just fcuking disgraceful!!!

[thethinwhiteduke]

Federation run supporter's group? Have men in this country LOST THEIR FCUKING BALLS???

Worst yet is even considering joining the group!!!

If we let the federation run the group then its not about supporters but rather about the federation. This in turn will require supporters to follow the guidelines and rules of the federation instead of the rules of the supporters.

Have we lost our freedom in this country or what? I'm surprised that more people aren't outraged because of this. Imagine if this happened anywhere else in the world. It would be crazy. The federation should be there to HELP SUPPORTERS NO MATTER WHAT, not just those that plunk money down to be part of some fcuking lame supporters group headed by the puppet Sunil Gulati.

Disgraceful, just fcuking disgraceful!!!

Speaking for myself, yes, I have lost my balls if I had any in the first place. Seriously, I want tickets. It is that simple. I want to be able to get tickets to away matches and I want tickets to World Cup matches. If joining the USSF fan club does that, I am in. Will it change how, where and why I support the US? No, not at all. I think that this could be a way for the federation to help supporters, at least i hope. I have been outraged and disgraced at the federation's lack of ability to get away tickets for its supporters or to do anything to assist those supporters that get to EVERY QUALIFIER in actually getting to a world cup. I support my teams and my country how I want and that won't change, I just dont want it to be such a headache to actually get into the stadium.

[houston_gunner]

A true supporter will never let himself be under the umbrella of their club or federation. Once you get under their control, you are just a puppet and a marketing device for them.

[NYC_COSMOS]

Speaking for myself, yes, I have lost my balls if I had any in the first place. Seriously, I want tickets. It is that simple. I want to be able to get tickets to away matches and I want tickets to World Cup matches. If joining the USSF fan club does that, I am in. Will it change how, where and why I support the US? No, not at all. I think that this could be a way for the federation to help supporters, at least i hope. I have been outraged and disgraced at the federation's lack of ability to get away tickets for its supporters or to do anything to assist those supporters that get to EVERY QUALIFIER in actually getting to a world cup. I support my teams and my country how I want and that won't change, I just dont want it to be such a headache to actually get into the stadium.

Getting tickets is not hard at all. I've gotten tickets to soccer all over the world.

That the USSF can't get tickets for their supporters is crap. They can, they just haven't found a way to capitalize on it until now.

Of course you can support your NT and country anyway you want and you should, but understand that supporting this version of a supporters club isnt doing that. Instead you are relinquishing control and being usurped of your "fandom"

[thethinwhiteduke]

Getting tickets is not hard at all. I've gotten tickets to soccer all over the world.

That the USSF can't get tickets for their supporters is crap. They can, they just haven't found a way to capitalize on it until now.

Of course you can support your NT and country anyway you want and you should, but understand that supporting this version of a supporters club isnt doing that. Instead you are relinquishing control and being usurped of your "fandom"

Getting tickets can be difficult to World Cup matches and to certain away matches without the help of the federation.

I dont see how I am relinquishing control to the USSF if I were to join anymore than I would relinquish control to American Outlaws or Sam's Army. It is all about the supporter. I go to matches and hang out where I think is best, sit where I want, stay in the hotels I want to and interact with other supporters in the way I choose. I guess I dont see how any of this would change with a USSF supporters club. To me, its about how you utilize it.

Our supporters groups affiliate themselves with corporates like Nike without having a problem. I think that too many supporters have a tendency to follow the crowd regardless of who is leading. That can be a problem, of course, but not anymore so with a USSF sponsored group. It wouldnt spell the death of supporters groups as they exist today, it would just add another layer of interaction with the USSF which we DESPERATELY need.

[K]

To be blunt, US Soccer is a disorganized mess so I have zero faith they can pull this off. Why do they feel the need to co-opt what's already been established and working (hell yeah, why not work with the current groups who are doing it FOR FREE instead of taking on another project and running it badly?) God they're such dopes! :rolleyes:

K

[Tonkdaddy14]

To be blunt, US Soccer is a disorganized mess so I have zero faith they can pull this off. Why do they feel the need to co-opt what's already been established and working (hell yeah, why not work with the current groups who are doing it FOR FREE instead of taking on another project and running it badly?) God they're such dopes! :rolleyes:

K

They probably figure there is money to be made.

[NYC_COSMOS]

I dont see how I am relinquishing control to the USSF if I were to join anymore than I would relinquish control to American Outlaws or Sam's Army.

Ok I'll show you now. Now the Supporters section will only be sold via the USSF. You will now have to hoist banners up with commercials on it. Use flags with propaganda on it as well.

Now you will not be allowed to use certain songs or words. Would you want your permission revoked because you were calling Landon a wanker? Or anyone else for that matter? Are you not entitled to your opinion?

On top of it all, you will then have to pay for the priviledge. Which affords you NO RIGHTS in the end. So you rather sell your soul to the devil for tickets somewhere else? I say no thank you. Ill manage to get the tickets on my own. I'm more than capable of doing so.

[Brunken]

Thanks, you guys also feel my concern, which is good.

I do think USSF needs to facilitate away tickets better and World Cup tickets, but World Cup ticket availability are based on FIFA not really USSF.
But why can't they still go through Already created supporters groups to sell away tickets and World Cup Tickets.

Thanks, for all your input.

[thethinwhiteduke]

To be blunt, US Soccer is a disorganized mess so I have zero faith they can pull this off. Why do they feel the need to co-opt what's already been established and working (hell yeah, why not work with the current groups who are doing it FOR FREE instead of taking on another project and running it badly?) God they're such dopes! :rolleyes:

K


agreed, US Soccer is a completely disorganized, understaffed, underfunded mess. i guess that having a 'fan club' is one of those things that if it fails, who cares? nothing ventured, nothing gained in my mind...

[thethinwhiteduke]

Ok I'll show you now. Now the Supporters section will only be sold via the USSF. You will now have to hoist banners up with commercials on it. Use flags with propaganda on it as well.

Now you will not be allowed to use certain songs or words. Would you want your permission revoked because you were calling Landon a wanker? Or anyone else for that matter? Are you not entitled to your opinion?

On top of it all, you will then have to pay for the priviledge. Which affords you NO RIGHTS in the end. So you rather sell your soul to the devil for tickets somewhere else? I say no thank you. Ill manage to get the tickets on my own. I'm more than capable of doing so.

sell your soul to the devil? a bit overdramatic, i think.

i understand your points, i suppose we will have to just agree to disagree. i dont think that a USSF sponsored fan group would usurp our actions or our supporters groups but i can see what you are saying.

[KingsCountyFC]

the USSF sees this as way to make a little more money...
f*ck them... Let the fans handle their own supporters clubs,
we don't need USSF running the show for the supporters.

[NYC_COSMOS]

Duke, I understand your points I really do, and again I do make it sound a bit dramatic because I feel that its something that really shouldn't happen.

Take this scenario for example. USSF (because it can) owns the only supporter section in the stadium. So now AO and Sam's Army are basically assed out of a supporters section and are forced to sit with the soccer moms.

Then USSF turns the section into Disneyland and holds it hostage from the true hardcore and religious supporters of the NT. We then in turn get songs and chants that are checked for content and foul language and are white washed for the kids and soccer moms to hear. Then this in turn gets sold to "america" as a supporters section and he held up as a model for the world to follow. Last but certainly NOT LEAST, the USSF issues a decree or USSF FAN PLEDGE outlining HOW YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO ACT AND WHAT RULES YOU NEED TO FOLLOW while supporting the USMNT.

Hell if I wanted this much regulation I would move back home with mommy and have her do everything for me, like when I was 5.

Now I know you can picture this. You have seen it elsewhere in life in various other stadiums or sporting events throughout America. Your rights that have been granted to you in the constitution are slowly being eroded away, we are giving them up little by little. We give them away because we want away tickets to a soccer game, which we could easily have if we look another way.

[Tonkdaddy14]

[quote=NYC_COSMOS;17249498]
So now AO and Sam's Army are basically assed out of a supporters section and are forced to sit with the soccer moms.
quote]

After reading and taking the whole survey, this is basically the conclusion I have come to. Maybe you remember the question asking why you have not attended a game, some of the answers relating to fan behavior and a rough/standing atmosphere. US Soccer is a business, and like any business they are trying to reach as many markets as possible. If they want to sell out their true fans by reaching out to suburban parents and their 8 year olds via destroying the "unique atmosphere of a soccer game", ******** them, we don't have to support it.

[NYC_COSMOS]

If they want to sell out their true fans by reaching out to suburban parents and their 8 year olds via destroying the "unique atmosphere of a soccer game", ******** them, we don't have to support it.

Not only do we not have to support it, WE HAVE TO FIGHT AGAINST IT! LEAVE FCUKING DISNEY IN FLORIDA, DON'T FCUK WITH MY GAME.

[thethinwhiteduke]

Duke, I understand your points I really do, and again I do make it sound a bit dramatic because I feel that its something that really shouldn't happen.

Take this scenario for example. USSF (because it can) owns the only supporter section in the stadium. So now AO and Sam's Army are basically assed out of a supporters section and are forced to sit with the soccer moms.

Then USSF turns the section into Disneyland and holds it hostage from the true hardcore and religious supporters of the NT. We then in turn get songs and chants that are checked for content and foul language and are white washed for the kids and soccer moms to hear. Then this in turn gets sold to "america" as a supporters section and he held up as a model for the world to follow. Last but certainly NOT LEAST, the USSF issues a decree or USSF FAN PLEDGE outlining HOW YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO ACT AND WHAT RULES YOU NEED TO FOLLOW while supporting the USMNT.

Hell if I wanted this much regulation I would move back home with mommy and have her do everything for me, like when I was 5.

Now I know you can picture this. You have seen it elsewhere in life in various other stadiums or sporting events throughout America. Your rights that have been granted to you in the constitution are slowly being eroded away, we are giving them up little by little. We give them away because we want away tickets to a soccer game, which we could easily have if we look another way.


the USSF is attempting to usurp my constitutional rights?

i have no reason to think the USSF would do any of what you are saying. of course it is possible, but i doubt they would be nearly organized or active enough. perhaps the problem is that i am having the discussion in the American Outlaws forum. my feelings toward the organized US support might be different than AO members.