Photo: Earl Gardner
Union Fans, who are we?
Like the players, we are ambassadors for the world’s greatest sport. First let me define the word ambassador. If you Google the word, the second definition is “a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.”
That is us. We Union fans are all representatives and promoters for soccer here in the Philadelphia area. I know that the Philadelphia Union has their own public relations department, and their own promotional department, but know it’s really up to us.
My first dealings with the Union were through my ticket agent, and now friend, Alex Carrington. Alex was a class act from day one, from being available for any question I may have had, to inviting me down to the stadium to view open seats before I made my season ticket purchase. They say first impressions go a long way. Well, Philadelphia Union, this guy sold me — and now some of my friends — on your product. You have a lifetime supporter.
The sport has already sold itself worldwide, now it’s up to us to expand it in the Philadelphia market. From head coach Jim Curtin, to each and every player on the team, they are willing to help us any way they can. And in my opinion, they do so not for their gain, but because they see the joy in all of us that professional soccer is here in Philadelphia.
Some of you may recall a Fans’ View post I wrote last October about a fantastic player, and now friend, Cristian Maidana. This guy has literally given the shirt of his back to my son. who, naturally, continues to idolize him. In doing so, he has gained a fan for life. Not just my lifetime, but my son’s, too. I said it before, and I’ll say it again: Maidana is a class act, and an example of how professional athletes should present themselves. I am forever indebted to the Maidana family for showing my family how professional athletes can be great role models.
There’s also the Union’s head coach, Jim Curtin. He’s a guy who will call you by your first name, and listen to you after a game. He understands that we are passionate about the sport, and treats us as people, not just patrons. When I talked to him at the open practice in February, he remembered that I had sent him an email congratulating him when he was officially confirmed as head coach. Class act, Coach. Keep up the good work.
Sebastien Le Toux: Class act. Photo: BJ Nolek.
And then there’s fan favorite Sebastien Le Toux. There are probably enough great stories going around about this guy that I could write a book. But let me tell you about my two experiences with him, the first of which was at the open practice. My youngest thinks the world of Sebastien, and couldn’t wait for the chance to meet him. When I took him to the practice, not only did Le Toux shake my son’s hand, he also signed his jersey. I didn’t expect that, but the impression made on my son is that now all these athletes are “cool” people.
Finally, there was the ultimate experience of Le Toux and Zach Pfeffer hand-delivering my season tickets to my house. (I have proof that they were there, too, it’s on YouTube!) Not only did they deliver the tickets, they also hung out for a little while, signing autographs, taking pictures, and talking to my family. Le Toux even remembered my youngest. My son Nick still pretends he’s Sebastien on the field.
No doubt, you have your own stories to tell of the kindness and generosity of Union players and coaches. Whenever I tell people my stories, I brag about how great an organization the Union is. And when I tell these stories to those of my generation, they are simply amazed at the hospitality of the team and its players.
So what do we do next? We continue to spread the word of the up and coming sport here in our blue collar town. We continue to spread our stories of what players like Maidana and Le Toux do for the love of the game, and for the smile on our kids’ faces. And maybe some of the people we tell our stories to will also become season ticket holders.
This is how we become the ambassadors for the greatest sport in the world. This is how we too set our place in the history of bringing the world’s greatest sports to the world’s greatest sports town.
Good stuff BJ! Still a bit jealous that they skipped over my house on ticket delivery week!
while yes, we are supporters…………more importantly, we are paying costumers……thats what the Union needs to remember. The Union has plenty of footy nutters in the 215 area to appeal to, to fill 19,000 seats. We don’t need ambassadors…………we just need a worthy product on the pitch and a vision for success. It is nice to know that there are class acts on the Union and examples on how pro athletes should act….all good things. But ultimately, they will be judged on results…….its pro sports, they are in the results business. It doesn’t matter whether they are nice or not………it matters what they produce on the pitch. It is important we don’t forget that…….ever.
I hear what you’re saying, but when you have kids, it’s different. How you and your kids are treated actually does matter as to whether you’re willing to fork over the cash again for season tickets. I think both the product and the delivery of it are important.
Well said
I agree Spugger, but I’ve become so disenfranchised by the professional athlete that I tend more towards 215’s position— though, with such a young team and a young sport– is is still easy to see many footballers haven’t become totally jaded by the pseudo-stardom and are still part of the ‘community’. That is indeed a quality indicator. The more money we throw at them and the more firmly rooted the sports becomes, the more and more the divide will occur just like in nearly all the other major professional sports.
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I’m not a sycophant. Your job is to win. Period.
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I don’t need the cardio thoracic surgeon operating on me to be a nice guy. I need him to be a tad arrogant- a tad above me and to be a professional. That is my expectation.
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For the kids though – let em dream.
+1
why you want your kids to look up to pro-athletes in 2015 baffles my mind dude. Baby mommas, questionable lifestyles that rarely match how everyday people live their lives…..I don’t get it. What does a professional athlete do for the betterment of society…..crickets. I’d rather have my kids look up to the scientist trying to cure cancer, the soldier keeping us safe, the first responders who sacrifice their lives for ours…..you know, heroes. If our heroes are athletes and not the people mentioned….what does that say about us as a society? I love Seba, but at the end of the day…..he’s a sportsmen, paid to entertain us.
Spugger……..um, I do have kids. A few of them, actually…..they are very young and being brought up in the beautiful game. I was going to add that, yes….as a parent, those little interactions can mean a whole lot….I completely get that and agree. My larger point was not to get caught up in all of that…..they call it PR for a reason. And honestly, if your kids grow up idolizing athletes………are you really doing your job as a parent? I want my kids to respect pro athletes…………..but I would rather have my kids look up to people who really make a difference in this f#@ked up world we live in……not footballers.
alicat215.. Agreed on both points. My kids love the game and respect what the athletes do. But outside of the game, the respect the police, other parents, and show respect to everyone who deserves it. That comes from us. You sound like you are doing a great job. Congrats
You too BJ…..and points taken, thanks for the article and feedback. Its all about the kids…..and the Union are good in that respect…..completely agree. I just have to be “that guy” sometime………
I feel the same way BJ. We do have a great group of players. I also think that’s important in growing the fan base. When I take folks (especially my kids’ friends) they are blown away that the players take time to give a high five or sign an autograph. Yes, performance on the pitch is important – but I bet my kids can remember every game that a player stopped to say hello, but not remember whether the game was won or lost. To grow the fan base, we must reach the younger fans – and that is how it is done.
Brilliant.. Thank you
So, the question I pose then is this: If a club doesn’t win any hardware for a considerable amount of time, will people remember how nice of guys they were? Kids like winners……hence why they like to be like Mike! Kids wearing jackets that say: Philadelphia Union 2016 MLS Cup Champions…….that will bring the young fan into our club and keep the kids coming back as jaded teenagers and young adults with a little stamp in their pocket. Again, as a parent what the Union does for its supporters is awesome……but, it will have a shelf life…..based on what the club does the next few years. Just tryin to keep it real people!
I think they will. Look at the Philadelphia Eagles.. Not any major hardware, but still sellout the games. Why do I still go to games? Because my dad took me and my brother. And my Dad’s father took him and his brother. I think we need to be the first in a pattern. They will get hardware, but if they don’t, I’ll still be a fan of them and the game. Them doing what they have done for me as a fan, will keep me going back. But yes, it would be fantastic if we got a trophy!!
I certainly hope the Union and the Eagles do to BJ. I think the Iggles are a stretch of a comparison because they sell out for cultural reasons, such as your personal ones that you shared. I, as you, hope one day we can go to matches with our granchildren and it’s a cultural reality here. My point is though, we will go to matches because we love soccer and there are many like us….but not enough to be sustainable in the long run. The Eagles can get away with it for a number of reasons, the Union can’t. They are going to need results to bring in the casuals in the long run…..not trying to be negative, just trying to be realistic.
Great article and I couldn’t agree more and feel like I’m trying to do my part. I do quite a bit of volunteering for my local soccer club, one of the most rewarding aspects is organizing our Club night(s) at Union games. Every time I get a new face there they almost certainly getting hooked and go back again and start supporting the team. Most of them have no idea of what the atmosphere is like at PPL and are sold after one game.
For me, that’s being an ambassador. Sporing your Union colors, from a t shirt in Summer to a stadium coat in winter. People want to know about the team and what it’s like to go see a game in Chester(dun dun DUNNN).
Inviting friends to games, keeping an eye on Stub Hub for super cheap tickets and an invitation for a car pool. Make it so easy for someone to see their first game helps make fans.
For me, that’s an ambassador.
I’ve been a STH since day one so you don’t have to sell me. However I support the U because I like the sport and want to support my local team. Please know that the majority of the very personal experiences that you’ve had with the players and manager are not the normal experience for most fans. I’m a middle aged guy without young kids with me at PPL. I can assure you that Maidana, LeToux et al are not hustling over to give me their shirts and I’m fine with that. Also my ticket agent sucks. His manager sucks too. My point is just that while I think its great that you and your kids have enjoyed such great treatment from the club you seem to be of the opinion that everyone has the same experience. We don’t.
Man we (mostly I assume) Philadelphia sports fans, are a jaded bunch. I know everything isn’t sunshine and roses, but o much negativity is just not necessary. We are not a perfect club, far from it. Our owner is sketchy and Sak can be, well, a Sak. But we as Union supporters should be above the crap of the classic “Nega-delphian” sports talk radio fan. Let’s be positive.
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I agree with Rob127 – I support them because I love soccer and they are my team. Have been since day one and will be till the end. PS – 127 is the BEST SECTION!!!
Section 127 is the best section!!!!!!!
Well said BJ… Great article.. & stories!
Thank you. Very kind of you.
I think 114 is the best section….I have been going sence season one…started season tix for season 2. My son and I have sat in many places…and although I know not every fan get autograph’s from players… I think overall most people have a pleasant experience. I talk up the team and the park to anyone who wants to know…and when I attended the team meat and greet a few years ago I was able to talk to players and staff who were doing a great job at promoting the team and themselves. So Doop on fans!! See you Friday!!
I had season tickets for 4 years in 114, great section. That is a funny group of people right there. Always some real funny commentary coming from the supporters there in that section. Good times!