Southern Supporters Group??

Discussion in 'MLS: Expansion' started by Alabama Soccer, Apr 8, 2009.

  1. Alabama Soccer

    May 28, 2008
    Montgomery, AL
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Most of the threads in the Expansion forum are trying to decide which City of the south deserves a team. Southerners are arguing over which of their cities would best support an MLS team and yankees are saying southerners will not support soccer. Here is what it comes down too. The South will probably only get 1 or 2 teams. Instead of fighting over who deserves a team why not all southerners band together under a support group for Southern soccer. If we are only going to get 1 team in the Southeast it will have to be the South's team. All southerners need to come together to push for MLS in the South. We have yet to show MLS or the "football world" that this is a viable place for soccer. I frankly don't care where the team is. It makes no difference to me if the team is in Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, or Charleston. The idea here is that the South needs a supporters group. I have yet to see or hear of one who has done anything significant for soccer in the South. Would anyone be interested in a Dixie Brigade type group that will support anything and everything Southern soccer?
     
  2. Eleven Bravo

    Eleven Bravo Member+

    Atlanta United
    United States
    Jul 3, 2004
    SC
    Club:
    Atlanta Silverbacks
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    count me in
     
  3. Blackbox

    Blackbox Member

    Jul 12, 2007
    Indiana/Tennessee
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    In the long run, the biggest problem would be if a single regional southern team could really have a regional fanbase outside of its city. Would people from city X really be 100% behind a team from city Y? Regardless, I'm still interested to see where a southern supporters group could go.
     
  4. Alabama Soccer

    May 28, 2008
    Montgomery, AL
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States

    Yea I understand that concern, but do we really have a choice? In a perfect world we would have a team in every major American city and we would have promotion and relegation, but we don't have that luxury. Most baseball fans in Alabama support the Braves. Would baseball fans in Alabama support the Braves if the Montgomery Biscuts (I hate baseball and despise this name) or the Birmingham Barrons were playing in MLB? Of course not. We just don't have the luxury to not support something because its not in our city. So we have the Braves as the south's team. When and if MLS comes to the Southeast it will have to be the same way.
     
  5. HogHoopFan

    HogHoopFan Member

    Feb 7, 2007
    Fayettnam
    If it were in a REAL southern city, capturing the entire south, then it might work. And by that I'm talking about using the flag or some sort of rebel iconography, among other things.
     
  6. ZACicker

    ZACicker Member

    Jun 2, 2007
    Louisville, KY
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I have an image of a team called The Rebels...are those grey uniforms...oh jesus are those ultras singing "Dixie"?;)
     
  7. AeroNaught

    AeroNaught Member+

    Atlanta United
    Feb 14, 2007
    Birmingham, AL
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'd be down for one; if we are to get a team down here, Atlanta would be a nice central location. Birmingham would be cool, but trust me it's not going to happen.
     
  8. DavidP

    DavidP Member

    Mar 21, 1999
    Powder Springs, GA
    And you'd alienate a large chunk of potential fans, people this team would desperately need.

    Leave it alone, friend; leave it alone.
     
  9. Misanthrope

    Misanthrope New Member

    May 13, 2007
    Anniston, Al
    And as a black person, I would never spend a dollar on that team, probably not watch MLS, and persuade my friends not to watch either.
     
  10. DavidP

    DavidP Member

    Mar 21, 1999
    Powder Springs, GA
    And I wouldn't blame you one bit. It would be the stupidest move in sports history.
     
  11. DavidP

    DavidP Member

    Mar 21, 1999
    Powder Springs, GA
    And I have an image of an average attendance of 6 (maybe), and the team folding after 3 games (if they go that long).
     
  12. Pike

    Pike Member

    Arsenal | Hertha Berlin | Brest 29
    United States
    Jun 3, 2000
    New Orleans Born | Shanghai
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I wouldn't have an particular aversion to the name or the singing of Dixie*.
    The lyrics themselves have evolved to suit the needs of the writer. I see no reason why a version cannot be made to be less offensive to everyone in the South. In the ultra culture, this should not be a difficult task to accomplish.

    On another note: The use of the Confderate "Battle" flag would not be a good idea. I wouldn't object to the St Andrews Cross, but as represented in the battle flag, NO! Ironically, the St Andrews Cross is a world wide symbol against oppression. Its ashame in thr American Culture it is viewed as a symbol of oppression. This being said, I would not object to its usage in an abstract form, but not as an exact reprsentation.

    People we all have to live with our past, but do not have to slap in the face of one group because it is our heritage. Nor should we run away from it as if it didn't happen.

    Another Note: People in New Orleans, as far as baseball is concern, or either Braves, Astros or Cubs fans (Yes I do not get the cubbie thing, but some people just don't like anything "Hotlanta" in New Orleans- I guess Atlanta's usurping the Old "Queen" in importance it too much for people to stomach!)

    In any event, here's a team: The Southern Raiders or Raiders SC+

    The word "Dixie" actually refers to Dixieland, which is New Orleans. (The name comes from the french word for the 10 note- Dix)

    + We call it soccer in the US,... so all of this FC foolishness needs to end. AC is OK, because we can say Athletic Club, but it should have more than one sports team.... JMO.

    --
     
  13. HogHoopFan

    HogHoopFan Member

    Feb 7, 2007
    Fayettnam
    Can you come up with a better iconography to get the majority of the South to support the team? Because I can't. If you made it evident of the South, I would think it would be something like the Notre Dame Irish. A cultural marker, essentially. Something like the Scottish club "Queen of the South".
     
  14. DavidP

    DavidP Member

    Mar 21, 1999
    Powder Springs, GA
    News Flash: The majority of the South would stay away in droves if you used that "iconography." This is 2009, not 1949.

    As proud as I am of my Southern heritage, I will not, no, will not, bow down to those who have made my heritage a symbol of race and hate. Nor will I alienate my fellow countrymen, whose epidermal hue and chroma are different from mine (hope I said that right :eek:), and whose ancestors endured a great amount of suffering. I for one thought we were getting past this crap, and were closer to realizing Dr. King's dream. I guess there are a few who missed the bus.

    The "New South" has no room for divisive icons. I am conservative as the day is long, and even I know where to draw the line. My heritage and my history have been hijacked by the KKK and Neo-Nazis; I won't for a minute stand anywhere close to them. Neither will I alienate potential fans of the game I love by using those symbols which now do harm, rather than portray history.

    Like I said before, leave it alone. :mad:

    If you want to use an icon particular to Atlanta, use something pertaining to transportation (Wings, Jets, Wheels, Express, etc.), weather (Storm, Lightning, etc. (Tornado belongs to Dallas, always will)), or colonial history (Kings (Georgia was named after King George II), etc.). Other Southern cities have similar themes which could be used. Or, you could fall back on the old standards, like animals and such.

    We don't need anything that will drive anybody away.
     
  15. DavidP

    DavidP Member

    Mar 21, 1999
    Powder Springs, GA
    No team will reflect any regional affiliation in its name (i.e. no "Southern" something); it will be either "City" something or "State" something (Atlanta _________, Carolina ____________, etc.). The truth is that you can't capture an entire region with just one team.
     
  16. Eleven Bravo

    Eleven Bravo Member+

    Atlanta United
    United States
    Jul 3, 2004
    SC
    Club:
    Atlanta Silverbacks
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I like Southern Raiders or Southern Phoenix as the supporters group...but the team name should go to the city. an Atlanta (or Carolina, Nashville, or Birmingham...the most logical choices) team will automatically be the unofficial "southern" team. yes, there will be those who say, "i won't support Atlanta because i want a team in Barnwell, SC" but the simple fact is most "southerners" will latch on to a "southern" team. [and for the record, i'll pledge my allegiance to any team in TN, NC, SC, AL, or GA so long as there isn't already a team closer to me and it doesn't get some phony euro-wannabe name like Real Atlanta United FC]

    Oh and there's nothing racist or oppressive with being "southern." if anything, i hope to show that this southern team is actually a symbol of cohesion and unity in our region.
     
  17. Blackbox

    Blackbox Member

    Jul 12, 2007
    Indiana/Tennessee
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I believe he meant using Confederate themes would be a negative -- not "southern" themes.
     
  18. DavidP

    DavidP Member

    Mar 21, 1999
    Powder Springs, GA
    Correct. :)
     
  19. Roach

    Roach Member

    Mar 16, 2004
    Charlotte, NC
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I would definitely be on board with supporting any mls team in the south (as long as it has nothing to do with the Confederacy w/symbols and so forth... not sure why it would anyhow). It should celebrate all the truly wonderful things the south has to offer. Yeah we got history, but we also have some great things that unite us as well. JD and beer flowing at the tailgate along with the pig pickin as we discuss the upcoming match and maybe the upcoming college football season. (yes, you can love both soccer and football). Heck, we could bring all the passion to the soccer match that college sports has to offer. You wanna hear some fan chants and coordination we could bring it like Cameron Indoor Stadium, Neyland Stadium, the Swamp, Tiger Stadium, Roll Tide, etc...

    I am a sports guy and soccer is by far my favorite sport, so if the South actually does land a team you can bet your ass I'll be there.
     
  20. chapka

    chapka Member+

    May 18, 2004
    Haverford, PA
    Club:
    Philadelphia Union
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    You should get together with the folks over on the Atlanta expansion forum, who have been discussing just this: getting together a supporter's group for Atlanta expansion with the potential to embrace fans all through the South. Here's one thread, and here is another one. There's plenty of interest; someone just needs to find a bar and set a time and see who shows up.
     
  21. panicfc

    panicfc Member+

    Dec 22, 2000
    In my chair, typing
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Couple of things...

    Cubs - SuperStation WGN's broadcasting of every Cubs games from 1980 to the past few years created a fanbase around the country.

    Atlanta v New Orleans - also the Falcons v Saints rivalry.

    Atlanta is the place that makes the most sense, and they have a money man with interest in MLS already in place.
     
  22. frodoguevara

    frodoguevara Member

    Mar 25, 2006
    Charlotte, NC
    Club:
    Charlotte Eagles
    Nat'l Team:
    United States

    I'm from Charlotte, and can't believe I'm saying this but...I agree:eek:. It's central. You could draw fans from the Carolinas, Tennesee, Florida, and Alabama. We have to show the people with capital that we're willing to travel to support a club. Hey folks I go to at least three DC United Home games a year. That's a six, and half hour drive from Charlotte. we have to have people who would be willing to do the same with a centrally located southern club. I believe we can embrace our heritage without being stupid about it. I think marketing a club with regional appeal is the way to go.
     
  23. USAUnited33

    USAUnited33 Member

    Dec 31, 2008
    Tampa, FL
    Club:
    DC United
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Atlanta would be nice but i dont think they will have alot of fans from florida. I live in Tampa and thats an 8 hour drive. I love soccer but i wouldnt drive that far for a game. I would be happy for at least one team in florida. We are getting a USL team next year here in tampa so we will see how that will be.
     
  24. panicfc

    panicfc Member+

    Dec 22, 2000
    In my chair, typing
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Hey Dave,

    Not to be rude, but Florida although located in the southern part of the US, is not considered to be in the South - if you know what I mean ;)

    Plus Tampa and Miami have both had shots at MLS. Atlanta would draw from Georgia, SC, TN, AL, MS and probably even get a few from LA.

    Florida would draw from - Florida if that.

    Good luck with the Rowdies, glad to see Tampa getting a team and it should do quite well.
     
  25. cowtown

    cowtown Moderator
    Staff Member

    Dec 8, 2006
    Plano, TX
    Club:
    FC Dallas
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Bona fides: I grew up in Jacksonville, FL (the capital of Baja Georgia) and Memphis and have family in Atlanta and roots in Alabama and the Carolinas.

    The Braves were a regional team not because of their name or their branding, but (like others have said) because of their location without closer competition (the same way NFL fans From Virginia to Texas were Redskins fans until 1960), and that is the foundation of their popularity, but there's another factor at work.

    You can't underestimate the importance of exposure in exploiting that geographic isolation. The old WSB radio station could, on a clear night, be heard as far away as Birmingham or Jacksonville, and the TBS superstation was a HUGE factor in maintaining that interest across the South into the cable TV age.

    Any Atlanta/Charlotte/Raleigh/whatever MLS team would be better served setting up a radio network and/or getting onto the regional sports cable channels across the region than obsessing over the branding.

    Also, kudos to those who have already made it clear that Confederate symbolism would be a disastrously counterproductive idea, and that includes its use in a supperters' group. You think FCD and Colorado's FOs are ambivalent/hostile about supprters, you just TRY bringing a battle flag into a stadium.
     

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