Comments on: American Soccer: A Little Bit Dangerous?

By: Tom Cope

Tom Cope — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:53:00 +0000

I agree, great article, and spot on. I sometimes go to Rapids games with my kids, but prefer to go as a boys night out. The Rapids moved their most vocal and entertaining supporters to the most empty corner of the ground, it was a big mistake. They should treat their best supporters to good seats, near the large end stands with the cheap seats and the big crowds who would participate with the fan clubs. This would improve the atmosphere. Then, if I’m with my kids and deam inappropriate, I can move to the quieter more isolated corner. Its like they put their best fans in a “time out” for the season.

By: Luke

Luke — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:21:13 +0000

Great article! MLS finally seems to have figured out a model that works, I will be curious to see how Philadelphia does, because I also have a fear that what we’re really seeing is a northwest/Canada section that may just dig soccer more then the rest of America, I hope that’s not the case. If it’s not then I think it is time for some of the teams with weak supporters cultures to relaunch in some manner. Dallas and Colorado did relaunches already with new logos that failed to incorporate what is mentioned in this article, but the NYRB and the Revolution seem to have an opportunity to do so, especially NY next year. I am at a loss on what to do with Dallas, what a major league F-up, but I hear they make a profit.

By: Abby

Abby — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:31:19 +0000

The other thing is, what’s more likely to make a lifelong fan out of a 10-year-old boy? Seeing soccer presented as a wholesome, family-friendly activity for kids, or as a loud, vulgar activity for adults? I may not be a boy, but I know what I preferred back then and it wasn’t ‘kid stuff.’ Kids are more likely to be attracted to the adult activities than vice-versa.

By: Patrycja

Patrycja — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:25:20 +0000

I am a STH in Toronto. I am lucky enough to have tix with a group of my closest friends all together in the Supporters End. One of my freinds has been bringing his son to games since the start of the franchise (or when the boy was approx 7). He’s not the only one. I have seen plenty of people bring their kids into the supporters end. Yes they hear swearing. Alot of people have made noise about this issue. But the kids hear swearing just as bad when they are walking down the street or hanging out at school. It isn’t going to turn them into a terrible person. Just like with anything else its up to the parent to teach them. We get a lot families at games sitting in the other sections and for the most part they seem very appreciative of the atmosphere that the supporters section drives.
On the other hand – the families that come to games in Toronto are mostly people that already have existing knowledge/love of the game as well. Most of them grew up with that type of supporter culture so it doesn’t scare them away from bringing their kids.

By: El Guapo

El Guapo — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:33:19 +0000

We will never come close to what goes on in England and the rest of Europe.

There will be small groups like the…lol…hudson st. hooligans..LOL…who try to envoke that stereotpe but mostly the larger supporter groups just want to do that….support their club.

Mind you there are unwritten rules when attending a game.

You never wear the colors of the opposing teams in the supporters section. (common sense)

Don’t go looking for trouble in the away supporters section (again more common sense)

The main key is for each supporter group to comunicate with their club’s front office and point out what
security issues might arise for a game.

So far the front office from Toronto FC have gotten this message and have worked with
Section 8 Chicago extensively year after year to make sure issues are taken care of. They really went above and beyond this past year.

Despite their record the Red Bulls front office were also open to comunications with myself when planning the Section 8 road trip. Its really that simple.

Smart club’s realize that if we treat the away suppporters well they will come back in greater numbers. Thus givining the atmosphere that other ticket buyers want.

You don’t have to be a genius to figure this out. It’s all about comunication and the willingness to listen to all parties.

I have pretty much met every supporter group from all teams in the league. Most of us know before the game we can share a beer or seven, talk about soccer, shoot the bull. During the match stay on your end and we will stay on ours….then afterwards drink some more and make fun of columbus.

By: Jason Davis

Jason Davis — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:20:44 +0000

Unfortuantely, I don’t think there are many MLS front offices that are savvy enough to successfully communicate with both groups.

A clear separation between the two approaches is a must, and I doubt MLS clubs have the money, manpower, or wherewithal to properly serve them both. In a perfect world, of course each should be a part of any marketing strategy; but because they are so inherently different in the way they view the experience, my gut says that teams should err on the side of the adult crowd, as they’re more likely to commit themselves fully to the team (which means buying season tickets, shirts, concession, etc.)

I think “dangerous” is the wrong word-it’s carries a negative connotation that some people won’t be able to get past. I prefer “edgy” or “edginess”.