MLS Expansion - What a bunch of SoBs
If soccer is to ever be a success here in the US, supporter clubs must play a major role because it is through these clubs that fans unite as a community and that community is what makes a game into a match. At least that is what I think.And it is because of this train of thought that I love seeing articles like this one in the Philadelphia Inquirer all about the Sons of Ben (SoBs). This is a supporters club for a team that might never exist, yet it is full of soccer fans thinking of creative ways of pushing the sport forward.
Although I'm not sure about the article's implied point that MLS seems more inclined to place a team in the city because of the SoBs, it still conveys a lot of good information including the one thing that might be the biggest factor in landing a team, government support for the $300 million soccer and retail development in Chester.
MLS has always wanted to be in Philadelphia and if the SoBs can help get their elective representatives on board with the idea, it might just become a reality soon enough.
Labels: MLS expansion, Philadelphia, Sons of Ben
posted by Mike H at 3:31 PM
4 Comments:
What an odd American twist the supports club concept ---> having one long before the team ever exists!
It is an interesting concept and certainly I would love to see it go off - compared to Singapore where the population is minute, if US soccer blows up, it would be a good thing for the sport globally.
Great article. Similarly, the St. Louis area has also started a supporter's club in support of an as-yet-non-existent team. Their website is here:
http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=gatewaycitysc
They have been active at local events, and have been beating drums and singing at rallies outside city council meetings regarding the construction of the new stadium complex. Great to see the rise of supprters' clubs in the states.
Soccer sucks.
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