So, before I get into this I want to make it clear that I'm not a TR member, but I am as dedicated of a fan as anyone, and I want the best for the team, its fans and supporters group. This is the reason for this post. I believe that it's very important for NYCFC to have a strong SG, so I offer these suggestions. These are constructive criticisms, and not meant to be hateful in any way. I want TR to be the best supporters group in the league. Period.
I attended the NYCFC jersey event this morning, and I was completely shocked by the lack of energy and atmosphere coming from the Third Rail. In my opinion, the primary job of a supporters group is to build an atmosphere at an event. They need to lead everyone else and build excitement. Today's event was almost silent. My jaw hit the floor when Villa came out and no one made a sound. Literally, it was quiet. I could not believe it. It was embarrassing. Being born and raised in NYC, and having attended many sporting events here, I was totally expecting the place to go wild when he came out, and I was expecting TR to lead that craziness. Instead, there was an awkward and uncomfortable silence the entire time. I will admit that the host was pretty bad, and he didn't help the situation, but this wasn't a NYC welcome that Villa/NYCFC deserved. This was our moment to show everyone that we mean business, and we failed.
Then there was the chant.
I only heard one chant, and it came at the worst time, and it quickly died out because it seemed like not all TR members know it. I'm not sure how the chants are being developed, but are you folks putting together a core list of chants, and memorizing them? I would really hope so. Keeping something like this in the air just results in what I witnessed today. Also, the chant itself doesn't seem like the best fit. I don't remember it word-for-word, but it was something about there being only one team in NY. Totally fine with a chant like this during a game against RB, when we're spanking them, but it was inappropriate for this event. It seemed petty and childish. What does RB have to do with the unveiling of our jersey? I really hope this isn't "the" chant of TR. In my opinion, the main chant needs to inspire and excite, and focus on our team, city and fans, not our rivals. There will be plenty of moments to talk smack.
Again, this is all meant to be helpful. I really want TR to be awesome as hell even if I'm not a member. A successful SG benefits everyone, especially the team. I'm not sure what are the causes of these issue. Was there only a small group of TR members? Maybe you folks don't meet up enough? Maybe there's a lack of leadership and organization? I don't know, but I'd love to hear from TR members on why things went the way they did, and how you folks plan to improve.
NYCFC per sempre.
I attended the NYCFC jersey event this morning, and I was completely shocked by the lack of energy and atmosphere coming from the Third Rail. In my opinion, the primary job of a supporters group is to build an atmosphere at an event. They need to lead everyone else and build excitement. Today's event was almost silent. My jaw hit the floor when Villa came out and no one made a sound. Literally, it was quiet. I could not believe it. It was embarrassing. Being born and raised in NYC, and having attended many sporting events here, I was totally expecting the place to go wild when he came out, and I was expecting TR to lead that craziness. Instead, there was an awkward and uncomfortable silence the entire time. I will admit that the host was pretty bad, and he didn't help the situation, but this wasn't a NYC welcome that Villa/NYCFC deserved. This was our moment to show everyone that we mean business, and we failed.
Then there was the chant.
I only heard one chant, and it came at the worst time, and it quickly died out because it seemed like not all TR members know it. I'm not sure how the chants are being developed, but are you folks putting together a core list of chants, and memorizing them? I would really hope so. Keeping something like this in the air just results in what I witnessed today. Also, the chant itself doesn't seem like the best fit. I don't remember it word-for-word, but it was something about there being only one team in NY. Totally fine with a chant like this during a game against RB, when we're spanking them, but it was inappropriate for this event. It seemed petty and childish. What does RB have to do with the unveiling of our jersey? I really hope this isn't "the" chant of TR. In my opinion, the main chant needs to inspire and excite, and focus on our team, city and fans, not our rivals. There will be plenty of moments to talk smack.
Again, this is all meant to be helpful. I really want TR to be awesome as hell even if I'm not a member. A successful SG benefits everyone, especially the team. I'm not sure what are the causes of these issue. Was there only a small group of TR members? Maybe you folks don't meet up enough? Maybe there's a lack of leadership and organization? I don't know, but I'd love to hear from TR members on why things went the way they did, and how you folks plan to improve.
NYCFC per sempre.