Is there going to be a "Sons of Ben" type movement to increase the awareness of soccer fans in the Atlanta area? I'm normally not one for "supporters groups;" just not my "cuppa" tea, but I'll make an exception this time. I know there is/was at least one "Atlanta MLS" website out there somewhere; are we willing to get something going so we can make a good showing next time? What did Sons of Ben do that got the ball rolling, so to speak?
Sons of Martin (Luther King)? I'm not even sure where we would go though. I mean, the Silverbacks are gone. The nearest MLS team is Columbus, and even the nearest USL team is Charleston (not even starting with rivalry issues.). Add to that the fact that Atlanta was always a more spread out market (I'm from 100 miles west of Atlanta), and you've got a recipe for failure.
Something nonconfrontational?... Sons of Truett Cathy? Sons of Ted Turner? Sons of Woodruff? Or... Sons of Blank!
Ted doesn't count anymore. He "defected" to Florida (imagine that-- a liberal socialist moving to a place where there is no state income tax (another subject for another day )). If Truett Cathy was on board with the MLS thing, it'd be cool. Ditto for Coca Cola (Woodruff). Anyway, the obvious choices (Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, etc.) would kill us, and nobody knows who Henry Grady is anymore (probably wouldn't work anyway). I think it was either Big Kahuna or Eleven Bravo who suggested something along the lines of the "New South" something or other. Here's a suggestion (my apologies if somebody else has already suggested it, especially if I wizzed on it ): New South Brigade Only because I can't think of any of anybody... Oh wait; Sons of Phil (Woosnam), or something along that line. Say what you will about the NASL, but Woosnam and the Chiefs put pro soccer on the map in Atlanta. They won the first "major league" championship for Atlanta, 27 years before the Braves won the World Series. Also, he, along with Clive Toye, saved the NASL from a sure death back in 1968/69. Phil Woosnam is Atlanta soccer. What do ya say?
I don't see why not- he's almost as famous as Ben Franklin and hasn't been dead as long. And his name is synonymous with Atlanta. Other Southern guys or longtime Georgia residents who come to mind: Jimmy Carter (Stadia for Humanity... maybe too frivolous ) A. Hosea Williams (Yeah, I know how that'd go over around here) Robert Hughes Brisbane (one of my former professors, and one of the greatest men I've ever met. Not well-known, tho) Maynard Jackson (Like Former President Carter, he's actually a name some people might recognize outside the metro) W.E.B. DuBois (don't really need to say anything here. He's well-known enough)
And he definitely would be immune to the comments we would get if the group would be the "Sons of Stonewall" or some other mess.
ReignKing is spot on about going to WPS games. Where else would we go? Atlanta FC? Anything to do with King is golden. I liked MPoole's suggestion with "The King's Men". Now what would the scarf colors be...
This is not intending to be inappropriate, so I appologize if it comes out that way. The King's Men Motto (on the scarf): We Have a Dream...
Also, I thought of a good alternative. Since Olympic seems to be the frontrunner in a team name, how about The Torchbearers. It kind of symbolizes our being the vanguard to an Atlanta soccer team.
It's funny -- I like The King's Men, but I don't like overtly obvious references to his cause. It would have to done right, or it could be misunderstood (which, obviously, you appreciate).
Am I the only one here who thinks using King's name in any way to promote sports is tasteless? We can be way more creative than that.
I'm sure the costume is kicking around somewhere in Atlanta, at least we wouldn't have to invest in a new mascott
I like Torchbearers as well, but you might as well be the Sons of We're Never Getting A Team Because MLS Are A Bunch of Sheep Shagging Wanks.