I do agree with this, and I think Sam's Army has started this trend. However, one problem with the color red is that we don't have many jerseys that are red. Most of them are white or blue. The only red jersey we've had since 2000 is the DTOM Send Off Jersey, of which limited quantities were sold. Personally, I love wearing one of my jerseys to a match (I wore my 1994 USA "Stars" Jersey on Sunday), and I know a ton of people I saw there were wearing jerseys of their favorite players. If you notice the fans at Euro 2008, most of them are wearing jerseys in orange for the Dutch, or yellow for the Swedes and red for the Spanish. If the US came out with a red jersey, firstly, it would be the best selling soccer jersey of all time. I'm sure people like me will be snapping up 2-3 apiece. Secondly, I think that you will see more red that way since people will be wearing their jerseys to the game. It can be hard for some people to spend $70 on a new jersey only to have people discourage them from wearing to the game because it's not red. They're going to wear that new jersey with pride, and just because it's red doesn't make them any less of a USA fan. Here's my suggestion: coordinate with those endzone sections to have a sea of red, white and blue. I am perfectly fine with anyone who wears these colors to the game. But what you can do is coordinate the sections to see that the majority of that section wears a certain color. Sam's Army can keep their section in red. American Outlaws usually wear blue in their section, and from what I could tell they were right next to Sam's Army. Just coordinate another section to wear white. I think that by incorporating all these colors, not only will it look cool, but you will encourage more people to wear these colors. Many people here have the opinion that if you don't wear red to the game, you're not a true fan. I don't feel that's the case. The red, the white and the blue in our nation's flag all have historical, symbolic importance. The white stands for purity and innocence, the red stands for valor and hardiness, and the blue represents justice, perseverance and vigilance. The stars, besides representing the 50 states of the union, represents the heavens and all the good that people strive for, and the stripes, besides representing the original 13 colonies, stands for the sun's rays (Source; I also learned this in most of my history classes growing up). I feel it would be truly special to see all of these colors in the stands, not just one of them. So, for those that want to wear red, go right ahead. If you want to wear blue, do what you do. If you wear white, that's quite alright. However, we can definitely coordinate the endzone sections (hell, all the USA sections if we wish) to make it a sea of red, white and blue for every USA game. Most importantly, I think you will see much more participation, which will in turn kick the enthusiasm up as well.
You guys really got to ask yourself if this kind of debate is happening in any other country......think about it ( talking about original topic)
I'm Argentinian, and in Argentina this debate really doesn't exist. Over there it's not what you wear to the game but rather how you bring the noise!
I don't either but you can very weel see difference in support. I was talking specifically Europe. Argentina has similar mentality to Croatia where you fly several hundred guys from club barras to WC, they mix with several thousand local Argies and then own other side cos they have strong nucleus to lead. Croatia is same way, you get several thousand guys from our ultras groups, mix in 10k or 20k regular clowns and noone comes close. We don't have anything resembeling national team group, just truce. I'm talking about sides like Dutch or Austria or France where every group is boycottin so their club scene is good but national side looks like circus.
I am proposing yet a new group for US Supporters to consider. Unassociated Supporters of US Soccer (USUSS) We will: Attend every possible game (especially against Mexico). Stand in the Supporters end of the stadium. Sing and chant for as long as we possibly can. Watch every game that we cannot attend on TV. Bring new people to every game we attend. Wear red, white or blue, as long as it is in support of the Nats. Befriend anyone wearing the US Soccer crest. Assist SA and OA when the US plays in our hometown. Meet and after before games at Pubs and/or Tailgates. We Will Not: Wear our club colors, while supporting the US. Throw any object on the field, other than streamers. Perform any act that embarrasses the US or our fellow supporters. Tolerate racial comments or acts. Have an issue with SA, OA or any other group who supports the US. Membership: No fees or actual membership will be accepted. Is open to anyone who loves our team and our country Members are encouraged to join any or none of the other supporters groups. Meetings and coordination will be held on BigSoccer.com. Goals: Support our boys, while they represent us. Finally establish a “Home field advantage” when we play on US soil Broaden the awareness of the US National Team Note: While being mostly sarcastic, this is how I support the US team. I am sure that everyone could add a few other comments, but I think in the end we all have the same goals and just cannot agree on how to achieve them. -G-
I think the groups do this already, the problem is there is no strong central authority and alternatively no organized and effective charter structure nationally to assist in promoting and running the organization. SA should have a group of dedicated central leaders with set roles and responsibilities, and they should have a command structure of local brigades who are in direct and constant contact with the central command and the other brigade commanders. Clear and concise rules and regulations should be established with respect to operating the sections on match day as well as organization of events. The central command needs to be more aggressive with USSF for matches and be more of an influence in their policies. Right now the SA is running blind. There many 2-3 people involved, no clear command strucutre, no agenda, and little national organization from the local chapters. SA needs to be run like a real army. Organized and Mobilized.
I hear you man, but i think it is something that requires more than one man's honest work. But its a positive sign that someone is working on these things, hopefully more will follow your lead.
agreed - something as big as Sams ARmy can be - in this large land - requires help from more than one person Patsfan - best of luck - I hope it goes well but let anyone of us know what we can do to help!
Where are there already established Sam's Army brigades? Also, where are the American Outlaw chapters? I know of a brigade in SoCal and in NJ, but that's about it. I think that would open eyes as to where brigades/chapters can be formed and where existing ones are that people can join.
Anyone know where to locate the USA Men @ Azteca Thread? Maybe I'm goin blind? That's what its all about
I know the American Outlaws have a Cincinnati and Greenville Chapter. Also, look out for our Dallas chapter starting soon as well! www.theamericanoutlaws.com http://www.myspace.com/theamericanoutlaws
Just a little soon I think but yeah everyone is really siked! Give it some time and Im sure all the info will be posted when gathered!
I dont think there is an official one. There is ESC-NYC and NJB in this region, neither are registarted SA charter brigades to my knowledge.
Sparta Firm (NJ) has already created a nice new banner for the cause. We have a couple other ideas I would like to see come into fruition. In particular, a spoof on Washington crossing the Delaware.
Im not new, been on this site a while, just changed my name. Anyways, I have never been to a USA game, but plan on making it to the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. I am still deciding who to join, either Sams Army, or American Outlaws. This thread has helped my immensely, as much as bigsoccer has. I never knew about the Outlaws, and I was gonna join Sams Army, before my journey, but this thread has showed me that Sams Army has kinda lost it's swagger I guess. I bet still manty people cheer, etc, but it seems the orginization isnt there. So if I choose to join one before I leave to go, I think it will be American Outlaws.