The synergetic relationship between athlete and fandom is imperative to the growth of team and sport. Driving player performance and aiding in developing a culture spanning beyond the stadium. Each fandom is unique, however there are few forces rivaling the droves of people who support women’s sports. In particular, women’s football. Fans have delved deep into a sport that is arguably the most popular in the world, while connecting with athletes beyond the pitch. Protesting social issues, chanting and demanding for equal pay, and supporting athlete entrepreneurial efforts.
One of the NWSL’s expansion teams, Angel City FC, stationed in the heart of Los Angeles; is fueled by it’s rich culture and diversity, has experienced what investment in women’s sport and access can produce. If you build it, they will come. ACFC currently operates with the support of six Supporter Groups, who lead the charge and chants that reverberate throughout the stadium. Rebellion 99, the only supporter group categorized as a 501(c)(3), non-profit status, are bookmarked for their influential beginnings. Jill Panaro, a Rebellion 99 capo, recalls her involvement starting when she noticed Rebellion 99 founders Lindsay and Mark Rojas holding “bring NWSL to LA” signs at LAFC and USWNT games. Panaro, who has worked with vocal therapy coaches to lead chants on the capo stands, prioritizes making sure everyone feels involved and seen while cheering the team on. She states, “I’ve waited my whole life for this. To be part of a community that cheers for not just a professional team, but a women’s professional team.” Rebellion 99 is also home to Blake Blechner, a 15 year old, who is the youngest capo of any ACFC supporter group. Blechner joined R99 before Angel City was announced, helping build chants and creative ideals, driven by the desire to “…inspire and grow the game. I want to get people as passionate as possible about it.” Capos work in unison to encourage fans to cheer as loud as possible, this includes the work of the SG drummers, pouring themselves into 90+ minutes of elevating the energy in the stadium. “We all have the same viewpoint, to make our North end one of the best in the world,” Daisy Mendez R99 Active Support Coordinator.
Amanda Ponce, a drummer capo from supporter group Pandemonium, feeds off the adrenaline brought by fellow drummers. Some of whom, learned how to drum as a sheer showing of dedication to build the game. Ponce highlights the importance of this partnership and how it translates to the common goals of Pandemonium as they “advocate for our players…,to be the overreaching voice for the love of ACFC.” Miranda Zorrilla, Pandemonium’s lead capo, notes no other team in NWSL history has started with the backing of six supporter groups. So much of Zorrilla’s dedication stems from “knowing that these players deserve so much more than what they’ve dealt with, and that this city deserves this team.”
Historically media coverage of women’s sports has and still is lacking, and pay inequity has plagued the league. Los Angeles is striving to provide an atmosphere where athletes feel welcomed and backed on and off the field. In turn, ACFC and players around the league have recognized the power pulsating throughout the stands. At a recent training, forward Simone Charley states “…when we are out on the field you’re the ones that keep us going in the ninetieth minute when we are tired.” That power is exemplified by the diversity ACFC and community represent. PodeRosas, a play on Spanish terms for power and roses, uniquely operate as a collective. Encouraging partnership and steering away from hierarchy. Deeply rooted in Los Angeles, and “led by and for women and femmes of color,” member Helen Alonzo shares “One of the things that sets us apart is our core value of community care…a reflection of the people in our SG because the majority of our members are care workers.” Indeed that community care and push for social justice these members pour into their everyday life transcends simply cheering in the stands. Fighting for the equality of all people and channeling that energy to the pitch, Rocio notates “…women have fought hard to be recognized in the sports realm, and soccer seems to be leading the way to some form of equality…seeing women competing on the field builds strength and pride.” Strength and pride emanating off of female athletes living their dreams, playing at unparalleled levels, and representing such diversity allows for fans to channel that strength in an environment conducive to the safety in authenticity. PodeRosas drummer Claudia Hoffens, “ACFC capo and supporter culture is visibly and palpably different from others, especially the men’s. I think women are generally more courageous because we have to be. The world does not function in our favor.”
Imelda Coronado of Relentless Ladies, a name that says everything you need to know, “we have the drive and won’t stop until we get it done,” has ensured supporting ACFC is a family affair. Building the next generation of support will always be a driving force in keeping the game alive. In a climate where women’s rights and equality is routinely challenged, it’s imperative our youth witness the tenacity of these athletes and the communities championing them. “Women’s sports has always been important to me and celebrating a championship with ACFC will be a dream come true for my daughter. She is one of the main reasons why my hubby and I have been working so hard to make sure our kids have a front row seat to all this,” states Coronado.
Another vibrant supporter group, Angel City Valkyries, have founders who have brought their experiences in backing USWNT, established bonds during the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and brought those experiences to the local club level. Many ACFC fans have long craved the ability to cheer for a team in their backyard. Heather Borjon recalls her own desires for finding representation, “I played sports…and I remember that the only time I saw women’s sports featured were during the Olympics and the World Cup. I was so excited that other little girls are going to see women’s soccer on a regular basis.”
Naturally as investment in professional female athletes develop, visibility inevitably follows. Expansion teams like Angel City and The San Diego Wave are laying down a road map. Demonstrating, to current and future NWSL teams, the viable outcome of investment in an increasingly developing sport. The fandom of not just ACFC but women’s football is rapidly increasing. These supporter groups pour their souls into creating a safe environment, free of prejudice and full of joy, where an intersection of sport and culture meet. Supporter Group Mosaic 1781’s mission statement cements it, “Our mission is to support the Los Angeles NWSL team, both on and off the field through the passion that unites us all: soccer.” When owners and media support women’s football, much in the manner of ACFC, the effects can ripple throughout a community. This diverse and expansive group of fans, with so much heart and conviction has banded together for the athletes, for the game, “Del Barrio, Pal Barrio.”
Written by Haley Becerra
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