Photo credit: Robyn McNeil, ISI Photos
Sky Blue FC has their second home game of the season this Saturday as they take on the Houston Dash in a rematch of last week’s featured NWSL game on Lifetime (this week’s match is also the featured match airing on Lifetime). After several games on the road, the team will finally get a chance to play in front of their home fans again, including supporter group Cloud 9. Jennifer Muller, one of the current leaders of the group, filled us in on all you need to know about Cloud 9.
When did the group start and why?
Cloud 9 started informally in 2013 with just a few people. In 2015 we became a full fledged supporters group, offering memberships, scarves, and discounted game tickets. It’s also the first year we made a concerted effort to sing, chant, and drum for the full 90. Since then we’ve steadily grown bigger and louder.
What are some things that your group does on game day or before game day?
A few of us get there ridiculously early to set up banners, then join the tailgate until the gates open. Our tailgate is located close to the stadium entrance (just look for the few trees that are there and we are under them). We have memberships, scarves, and small merch items available at every game.
Where can people find you before/during the game?
We are in Section 9, which is last bleacher section on the far end, above the Sky Blue locker room
What can people expect if they join you for a game?
Ruckus. We sing and drum the entire game. Our songs are easy to learn and our members are more than happy to welcome newcomers.
What is your favorite part of being in a supporters group?
There’s a true sense of family. I spend more time with Cloud 9 than I do with people I’m actually related to. If you’re someone that doesn’t really have ‘soccer friends’ and might be hesitant to go to a game by yourself, join a supporters club. We are instant soccer friends. We are people you can count on to be there every match, not only to support the team from the stands, but to talk about the game and team we all love. Another bonus is that we’re in a sweet spot geographically that we’re able to go to a lot of away games. As such we’ve met and have become friends with supporters from around the league.
You can find Cloud 9 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cloud9SBFC, Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/cloud9sbfc/, Snapchat: @cloud9sbfc, Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Cloud9SkyBlueFcSupporters/, Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cloud9sbfc/ and their website: http://cloud9sc.com/
Cloud 9 also has a ride share group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/SBFCRideShare/
Check them out at the information above and if you are in the area or want to make a trip out for a game, make sure to stop by the Cloud 9 tailgate before you head in!
