This season the crew here at WGAH have decided that we would like to spotlight some of the supporters groups in USL-1. I have been given the honor to reach out to the supporters groups and ask them a few questions to get to know the supporters behind the clubs we are playing! This week is a special one, our Open Cup opponents have a good group behind them and I’d like to spotlight them here. So without dragging my intro on any further here is my Q&A with the Stormchasers Supporters Group.
Q: When/how did you start following the club?
A: We started following the club once they announced their team in early 2021.
Q: How did your SG get its start?
A: We started our SG from a soccer podcast called Linners and Wosers. LW focuses on professional and local soccer and more specifically teams in Colorado. After LW met with @nocohailstormfc, Stormchasers SG was born.
Q: How many members do you currently have?
A: We currently have over 10 members but are still growing. After all, it’s our first year, we imagine we’ll grow as the games come along.
Q: What’s your goal as a SG?
A: The goal of our SG is to create and inclusive and fun environment for Northern Colorado soccer fans of all backgrounds. More specifically, we want to create an area where fandom and excitement is expressed, all while helping out local businesses in the area.
Q: What do you feel you add to the SG scene that differs from other SG?
A: We think we’ll add a chill vibe to the SG scene. Other SGs will be rowdy and angry while we’ll stay cool and passionately support our boys. We’ll still have elements of other SGs that will be fun.
Q: Do you have a tailgate spot you want to let everyone know about?
A: At the moment we’re still securing a tailgate spot but will have updates soon.
Q: How does one join your SG?
A: We’ll have a website launching soon where anyone can join our SG for a very affordable fee (plus you’ll get gear).
Q: What’s one thing you’d like to see from all of the supporters around your team?
A: I would like to see our Supporters get creative with chants and banners as we progress toward our first home match.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to see all of the SG do together?
A: I would like to see a soccer tournament between the SGs around the country paid for by the clubs to give back to charity.
Q: Is there something we can do as supporters/SG pre-match to make the environment better for us all?
A: I think by being welcoming to everyone (even those outside your group) before matches will make the environment seem more inclusive. Right now, I’ve heard that when the group is all together it seems cliquey. So just make the pregames more about the community.
Q: How much communication do you have with the Front Office?
A: The FO has been very busy being in their first year but they’ve been very good at communicating with us for the most part. Still some things to get sorted but great overall.
Q: Anything you’ve wanted to do in stadium that isn’t allowed or isn’t logistically possible?
A: We want to bring in hundreds of umbrella with cool designs and somehow create a Tifo with said umbrellas. Typically umbrellas are a no no in stadiums.
Q: And finally what’s on your ultimate goal? If money/time we’re no issue, what do you want your SG to be?
A: If time and money wasn’t an issue, I’d love to create a positive community through soccer from our group. Social networks, hangouts, charitable causes and fun events to really bring the Northern Colorado community together.
Interview conducted with @StormChasersSG via Twitter.
So as you can see this supporters group has a vision for their future. It has clear leadership that is wanting to listen to the supporters and make their own way with their own ideas. This is a great thing for all involved in the Supporter scene both in Colorado and League One. I want to sincerely thank the Stormchasers leadership for agreeing to an interview and I can’t wait to meet you all here in Omaha.
Who Gives A Hoot? 