How many other major supporter groups do you think will form in Philadelphia? We've seen two additional Toronto groups (Rhythm Tribal Nation and North End Elite) develop after their first kick, and one other major Sounder's group (North End Supporters). I wonder how many will develop in Philly/Chester? Will there be a tamer-version of the SOBs that also develops on the North End, like in Toronto or Seattle? Nearly every city has a Barra-style group that forms amongst mostly Spanish speakers, which isn't completely the SoB demographic; Will we see that happen here, like in RSL, Houston, Columbus, LA, etc? I've been wondering this for awhile, but I'd like to see everyone else's thoughts. Do you think the SoB's will generally envelope other supporters, and become a Chicago Section 8 / DC United supporter 'group'? Will the SoBs be welcoming of other groups, or see them as competition/free loaders who are capitalizing off their ground work? Are you planning your own supporter's group?
I could see a Hispanic supporters group starting up here in Philly due to the large population of Hispanics. Another group could be a family based group that could possibly get kids more involved in soccer and out to the games (on the north end). I welcome different groups as long as they do not have the mindset of the 13th ward or what ever the hell they were/are called. The more the merrier.
You really want more groups to emerge, it only helps things and keeps everyone on their toes. Also, it spreads the love of planning and workload. There are just some ppl that the SoBs will never reach. Lets hope new groups evolve to help bring them in.
I am sure there are 3 or 4 people in the greater Philly metro that would like to be part of a supporters group that isn't the Sons of Ben. Thats reality. For instance, I bet that if it doesn't start organically in year 1, by year 2 the Union FO will start their own Hispanic supporters group.
I don't think they need to fake it the way Salt Lake has. It will happen either within SoB or by itself.
If there is a Ukranian on the team, why not an Eastern European supporters group with big-ass retro tifo?
Its weird. RSL has faked it, but since then, this new Hispanic supporters group, which is by far the largest, loudest group in Rio Tinto, has had about 3 or 4 major confrontations with security and stadium management. You would think that they would smooth that over more. Or maybe its part of the drama.
Our OG would never try to organize their own supporters group. I think at least one or two more will spring up, probably in the North End, sometime during the 2010 offseason, comprised of season ticketholders who see each other all the time. They will start tailgating together, talking between matches, and will organically evolve. I also expect a small SoB backlash. There are going to be fans there we are going to piss off, probably in their own heads alone, but it will happen. Someone is gonna get angry with their corner seats near the SoB section, or get angry they can't buy a tailgate pass on gameday, or whatever. I wouldn't be surprised to see other supporters clubs emerge by the 2011 season. If any of these new groups have seen GSH or FF too many times, and think that MLS is some sort of sanctioned Fight Club, they are gonna find themselves out of the stadium for good. I understand the concept of "No Snitching," but if anyone tries that crap, I will be the first to point 'em out.
Interestingly enough, I found another message board for the Union being advertised on Facebook: http://www.theunionboard.com/ Doesn't seem to popular, but it's still neat to see other fan sites starting to pop up.
Ok, a friend of mine (and fellow supporter) just started this one. I didn't post it here because I didn't think tPtB at BS would appreciate it, but I did on Twitter and FaceBook at his request. He started it with the idea that all Union supporters could post there. He's been working on it for a couple of months and just launched it yesterday, which is why it doesn't look real popular yet. He's still tweeking it, so if you see something you like/don't like/whatevah you can let him know, or be patient and it might be fixed in a day or so.
I will always be an SOB because it is this group that brought professional Soccer to Philadelphia. However, with two young children, not every SOB event will be appropriate. So, I would like to see a supporters group that is focused on families and young soccer players. My goal would be as the kids got older, they would associate with the SOBs. Does anyone know if such supporters groups exist at other MLS team or outside the US?
Jim, I clicked on the link and got a DNS error. It is at work, so, it may be bloced. So, I did a google search and it did not come up with anything. Can you verify the link? Thanks
It's not very active since it's only been live for a few days now, but it seems very well-designed and organized. It's refreshing to have a place other than BigSoccer to discuss all things Union without the prying eyes of the opposition.