Photo Credit: Oak City Supporters
The NC Courage are fresh off a midweek win over Sky Blue FC at home. The Courage have enjoyed solid home support this season especially for being a new team brought in later in the offseason. We previously covered one of the supporters groups, Triangle Soccer Fanatics, but this week we are focusing on the other supporters group. Founder Ryan Jernigan tells us a bit more about the Oak City Supporters (which also support North Carolina FC).
When did the group start and why?
The City of Raleigh has an outstanding soccer community. Watch parties for USWNT, USMNT, and various European Clubs are always packed and a great time. The real reason Oak City Supporters started around 3 years ago was to try and get those same people out to support their local squad. Theirs a lot to be said about supporting National and European clubs, however, on a local level, your support can actually make a difference.
What are some things that your group does on game day or before game day?
On game days we partner with several local sponsors to try and provide a totally free tailgate. Free beer and food are always flowing. Normally before each game we gather for what we like to call “Choir Practice”, which involves everyone at the tailgate learning the songs we plan on singing for that weeks match.
Where can people find you before/during the game?
The club provides free bus rides from our local bar, London Bridge Pub in downtown Raleigh before and after each match so you’ll see a lot of our members taking advantage of that. We always tailgate underneath a statue we loving refer to as the MoonTower. During the match we take over the South Stand.
What can people expect if they join you for a game?
The best soccer experience in North or South Carolina. Standing and chanting for 90 minutes at the beautiful Sahlen’s Stadium.
What is your favorite part of being in a supporters group?
Most definitely the overwhelming feeling of family. Whether it’s your first or 100th time with us, we welcome everyone regardless of religion, sex, or race to our tailgates and section.
Oak City Supports can be found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OCSRaleigh, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakcitysupporters/ and on their website: http://www.oakcitysupporters.com
NC Courage are on the road this weekend, but be sure to stop by and chat with the Oak City Supporters if you’re in town for a home match!
