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The Vancouver Southsiders is an independent supporters group for Vancouver Whitecaps FC of the D2 Pro League and, soon to be, Major League Soccer. The group was created in 1999 by soccer fans from Vancouver and its greater metropolitan area. The name of the club alludes to the south side of Swangard Stadium where the supporters section is located. They have been described as a "rabid supporters group".

History

The Southsiders originated as a group of fans that enjoyed a European-style experience over a traditionally family-friendly atmosphere during matches. The group began in 1999 when fans of the Vancouver 86ers began congregating in the pitch-level beer garden behind the goal at the south end of Swangard Stadium. They originally called themselves "The Carlsberg Crew" in reference to the sponsor of Swangard's beer garden, Carlsberg Beer. The following season, the group renamed itself as the "Canterbury Chorus" following a change in the team's beer sponsor between seasons. It was finally renamed to "The Southsiders" to avoid the need to change names every time the sponsor changed.

The Southsiders have not always had a positive relationship with the team's ownership. Feeling marginalized, The Southsiders began depositing empty beer cups onto the grass in protest in 2003. The relationship improved as a dialog was opened. It has improved since Vancouver received the MLS expansion team. Images of the Southsiders are featured prominently in Whitecaps’ marketing campaigns. The group's board was invited to the invite-only launch of the kits and logo to be used in MLS. The expansion has also led to an increase in membership; group president John Knox said that it had grown from about 40 paying members to 100 in July 2010. As of the group's annual general meeting held in December 2010, paid membership was tabulated at just shy of 200 members. Knox also believes there is no reason why the Southsiders cannot outdo the Seattle Sounders' Emerald City Supporters.

2011: The move to MLS

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC MLS team will begin play of their inaugural season at Empire Field in Vancouver, but are expected to relocate to BC Place Stadium in the summer or fall of the same year. The majority of Vancouver Southsiders members have purchased season tickets for the south end and southeast corner of BC Place stadium, specifically in sections 248 through 254. A smaller contingent of members known as "The Grandstanders" have purchased seats in section 211. All season ticket holders will be assigned an equivalent seat at Empire by the Whitecaps front office.

Song

The Southsiders theme song is titled "Boundary Road". Sung to the tune of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads", it references Swangard Stadium's location on Boundary Road in Burnaby, British Columbia.

References

1. The Province. Southside Taken Over Life. July 21, 2010.
2. Steedman, Scott (September 10, 2010). "Taking the ball". Vancouver Courier. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
3. ^ "Whitecaps fans vital to their future". The Vancouver Sun. September 6, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
4. ^ Weber, Marc (July 21, 2010). "Tradition guides fans to the future". The Province. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
5. "Stiff test for Man U at Stamford Bridge". The Province. September 19, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
6. The Province. Tradition Guides Fans Future
7. Constantineau, Bruce (June 8, 2010). "MLS-bound Whitecaps unveil new logo". National Post. Retrieved September, 20 2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
8. ^ Constantineau, Bruce (July 17, 2010). "That's the ticket -- Caps' sales surge ahead of Timbers'". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved September 20, 2010.

External links

• Official website

Template:Major League Soccer Supporters Groups

• Vancouver Whitecaps
• Major League Soccer fan clubs