What is a supporters’ group?

A supporters’ group is an independent fan club or campaign group.

In soccer, supporters’ groups are the die-hard fans singing, chanting, waving scarves & flags, unfurling banners, launching smoke bombs & fireworks, and doing everything they can to keep the crowd cheering throughout the match, even when the team is losing.

Some supporters’ groups are often involved in events between matches: drumming up interest in the local club, volunteering in youth leagues and the community, social nights, and even banding together to support local teams in other sports.

Supporters’ groups often have unique scarves, hats, and jackets. In many cases, the group will work together to arrange transportation to/from matches, allowing the supporters to arrive en masse at home matches, rivalry matches, and other vital matches on the road. Some clubs provide members of supporters’ groups with cheaper tickets, storage room for banners & flags, and early access to the stadium to set up TIFO. Additionally, supporters’ groups often receive advance notice of the team’s events, like player meet & greets.

Hooliganism is generally not tolerated within most supporters’ groups as their central role is to support the players, team, and the game.