Photo Tara Robinson
This summer, soccer fans from all over the globe will travel to Brazil to experience the cultural and sporting phenomenon that is the World Cup. The month-long soccer tournament is comprised of teams from 32 nations, played every four years in a different country. The United States will be participating in its seventh straight World Cup this summer.
Here in Montgomery, there is a rapidly-growing groundswell of US Soccer supporters. They come together to cheer, chant, sing and proudly display their passion and support not only for the United States and its national team, but for the game of soccer as well. They are dedicated, passionate and organized: They are the American Outlaws, a national organization dedicated to increasing support for the United States men’s and women’s national teams, represented by local area chapters across the country. Montgomery officially became the 130th chapter earlier this May.
“Everyone knows that college football is king in Alabama, but you would be surprised by how many people here in Montgomery enjoy watching US Soccer,” said Bret Stanfield, Montgomery chapter president. “We started getting people on board with this group last fall and now we consistently have strong turnouts for United States matches. It’s great. The support and participation at our watch parties has been amazing.”
Now, with the largest sporting event in the world at hand, the American Outlaws welcome the city of Montgomery to join them for the festivities.
The Montgomery chapter regularly holds events at The Tipping Point in Hampstead to watch US Soccer matches and meet other US Soccer fans from around the city. The Tipping Point will host viewing parties for all United States World Cup matches. “The Tipping Point is the perfect place for our group,” said Stanfield. “It's a good venue for us for many reasons and the staff has done everything to accommodate us. We are very grateful and proud to call The Tipping Point the official home of the Montgomery chapter.”
The Outlaws will gather in full force for the first US Soccer match of the World Cup against Ghana on Monday, June 16. Ghana has eliminated the United States from the last two World Cup tournaments. Enough said. The match is scheduled to begin at 4 pm. Following the opening group stage match against Ghana, the US faces Portugal on Sunday, June 22, and then Germany on June 26.
For more information about the American Outlaws, visit www.theamericanoutlaws.com. You can also reach the Montgomery chapter by email at aomontgomery@gmail.com.