Photo courtesy of the Sirens SG
After a brief hiatus, we are back! We are changing things up and moving farther south to highlight the Sirens; Supporters Group for San Diego Wave FC. Various members of the Sirens leadership team answered some questions and shared some information about the group.
How and when did the group come into existence? What made you all want to start the
group?
Googie: Almost as soon as it was announced that the Sacramento team was moving to San Diego, there was a surge of online interest in creating a supporters group. I DM’d a fan account and told them that the second they got up and running, I wanted in.
Trying to bring strangers from across San Diego county together for the first time, primarily over Zoom and Discord, regarding an NWSL team that was hustling their butts off to build a roster, identity, and community connections within six months– let’s just say it wasn’t easy. But here we are, half of the way through the regular season, and I could not be happier with how far the Sirens have come. We’ve got hippos in tutus, dancing sharks, a wave-flagging pirate, bubbles, and so much more! We’re all just so different and random and weird but normal… but weird, and that’s one of the best parts! It’s this kind of genuine, authentic soccer-loving community I wanted to be a part of in the first place.
Meg: For me, although we had been meeting in small groups over Zoom and online before the college draft, it wasn’t until we gathered together for our first in-person meeting and created a structure and took on individual leadership roles that I really felt we were a community.
Mike: After the club was announced, I rebranded my Angel City based Twitter account immediately and began following any San Diego NWSL accounts. I came across the same one that Googie mentioned and ended up meeting up with Sarah when she was doing a merch giveaway and talked about being part of the supporters group she was putting together. I really think San Diego has been waiting for a team like Wave FC and wanted to be a part of harnessing that energy and being a part of the creation of the supporters group was the best way that I could see myself contributing to that.
Can you share some information about the group structure? Are there roles/committees, etc.? If so, what is your role?
Googie: Our internal structure is still in development, so to speak. Our SG has hardly been in existence for 6 months, so there are loads of things we’re learning and figuring out along the way. There is a dedicated group of about 15 individuals who have taken up various Leadership positions, such as Director of Finance, Director of Marketing, Congress, etc., with the shared aim of establishing a successful Supporters Group. We know it’s going to take time, we even know it’s going to be stressful; but the Sirens, just like Wave FC, aren’t just for now. We’re a foundation; we’re a part of this city and we’re a part of this club and we’re going to stay a part of them. So it’s our responsibility to set something up we can be proud of, that is not only willing to grow, but enamored with evolving.
To that end, our focus internally right now is to set down on paper what worked, what didn’t work, and what we need to adjust for the 2023 Membership Season. After post-season, the Sirens will officially transition from an LLC to a non-profit organization and our structure will be finalized and available to read in our bylaws.
Could you give a little more info about the group (Mission statement, goals, values, etc.)?
Meg: From the get-go, it has been extremely important for us to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible, to be truly reflective of our greater community and also to give back to our community. We established this in our early description released with our name, which you can also find on our webpage:
“Welcoming, enchanting and formidable – the sirens of mythology gave voice to the waves, embodying their relentless and inspiring nature. As an independent supporter group for San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, the Sirens will make the Wave heard by organizing together, showing up for our team, building and giving back to our community, and helping protect the safety and well-being of our players, team, and fans.
An inclusive group, we celebrate our diverse heritages, encompass all genders and sexual orientations, and embrace our varied journeys to San Diego while honoring our region’s Indigenous roots. United together by our love of soccer and our city, the Sirens will champion the Wave to reveal the beautiful, powerful force that we are.”
When we shaped our identity, we drew heavily on the help and example of supporter groups all over the country, but The Locals, who we met with shortly after establishing our roles, were particularly helpful. We couldn’t have gotten to the point we did without them. We have also been in contact with ACFC supporter groups on a regular basis and participated in joint community activities and discussions with them from the start. Additionally, we’ve been inspired by supporter groups all over the country who have stood up for the players on their teams and taken a stand for their communities. We admire SGs such as Rose City Riveters (PRT), Black Swans Drinking Club (ORL), and The Uproar (NC) for the work that they have done.
Googie: In sum: any body is a Siren body. All I would add to what Meg said is that we’re still growing our Leadership, still establishing exactly what the Sirens are about, and would really welcome local supporters’ input. Whether you want to get more heavily involved by taking on a Leadership or Congress role or you just want to have one conversation, we really do want to hear from you as we establish an SG for our communities. We are active on all the social media platforms and have folks who engage on the DMs to keep that communication open.
There has been a push to bring a women’s soccer team to California for quite some time. What does it mean to members of the group to not only have one team, but to have two including one in your own area?
Meg: Even before Angel City, when San Diego got the Loyal, I was so excited, knowing that if they could prove themselves, they would be paving the way for a women’s team. Maybe because I was listening to Julie Foudy’s “Laughter Permitted,” but I felt that after The Loyal, it was only a matter of time before San Diego welcomed a women’s team.
As for Angel City, we all laugh, because we were all Angel City supporters before we were Sirens. We were so thrilled by the announcement that the team was coming to Southern California. I first heard about it on “Laughter Permitted,” when Foudy interviewed Natalie Portman about how it all came about. We love the ‘99ers, many of whom are owners of Angel City. Along with Foudy, Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach are two of the greatest leaders to come out of the sport of soccer and we were thrilled to learn they were investing in the team.
Then, when we got the news that Jill Ellis was heading an NWSL team coming to San Diego, it felt to me personally like we had manifested it. I’m kidding, but that’s how thrilled I was, it felt like a personal triumph and I think that a lot of fans feel like that – like this happened because of us. All of us fans of women’s soccer are like – we’ve been saying San Diego needs a team for YEARS!
Googie: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: more teams in the NWSL is a win for everybody.
Mike: I see this as a great opportunity to grow women’s soccer and women’s sports in general. Southern California had yet to be fully exposed to the growth that the NWSL has achieved over the last decade and I feel like the region would really get behind a team like ACFC or Wave FC. And getting them both at the same time I think helps a lot because it creates that natural “rivalry” while also giving fans twice as many opportunities to watch. I have taken my kids (6 yo son and 3 yo daughter) to many different sporting events and Wave games are by far their favorite and I have heard many parents say the same and I feel like this speaks volumes on the potential success for NWSL in this region.
What do you and/or the members of the group love most about the team?
Meg: Initially, I was so grateful to have the names of Alex Morgan and Jill Ellis associated with the team. The thing is, when you’re a soccer fan and a local women’s soccer fan at that, it really is a particular niche of sports fandom, so it really helps to have Alex Morgan, whose name and face is so prevalent in the media, and Jill Ellis who had such an impressive record as a World Cup winning coach, as part of our team. So when I am talking to, for example, my son’s team of 8-year-old boys who know all the teams from Europe and Latin America, but none of the players on the USWNT team, I can tell them about Alex Morgan and they can ask their parents about her or they might know about her from “Alex and Me.” They’ve at least seen her face. It helps me draw other people into my world.
However, since the team has started playing – I mean – we LOVE this team. I have fallen head over heels for players I previously knew nothing or very little about. Kailen Sheridan is absolutely hands down one of the most gracious, amazing players I have ever watched play. The way that she acknowledges the fans after major plays – we are all total suckers for that – I think every one of the Sirens is in love with her as a player. We love cheering her on in the goal and the passion she brings to her position and the game. Additionally, the fierceness of Naomi Girma on defense, the speed of Sofia Jakobsson and Amirah Ali, Jodie Taylor and Taylor Kornieck on the attack…I mean we love watching all of these players bring their best to this game. We’re actually pretty lucky to be able to watch them in Torero Stadium, which seats 6,000, because we are close enough to see the expressions on their faces as they attack and defend.
Zakiya: They’re scrappy. They exceeded expectations. Personally, I can relate. When I see Korniak, Ali, or even Morgan score, I think of the times when I was underestimated, and found success.
Tali: The excitement for me started when I learned our coach would be Casey Stoney, who I’ve admired since her days as a player in England. Her style of play and her character made me believe we will have a special team coming together here in San Diego. I continue to enjoy watching her during games and when talking to the press. As the games started, I fell in love with so many of the players and their style. I especially enjoy watching Emily Van Egmond and Naomi Girma read the game long before anyone else does and Taylor Kornieck passing the ball. The passion of the team and the crowd is addicting.
What do you love most about being in an Supporters Group?
Meg: The community. We are such a diverse group of people with a diverse group of talents and it has been so much fun to watch one another shine in our different roles. Like when the spirit team released bubbles for the goals and it was brilliant and unique and wonderful or when I got to dress up in a shark onesie and dance around – it brought out a silly side to me. I love that I can go to any given game, even if it means rushing in late after dropping off my teenager at one of his many activities, and I can show up and just jump in and be a part of this energy and share the experience with friends. Having other people to share my love of this beautiful game and the kick ass athletes on the field has totally surpassed my expectations.
Jenn: The excitement of game day. Not only does our SG community rally together, but everyone in the stadium is buzzing with excitement. It’s pretty special to see that many people come together to cheer on a common goal.
Zakiya: Being surrounded by people who love the game as much (or more) than I do. Game day is electric. I love seeing people shed their shyness, skepticism, and cynicism to fully embrace a good time. Life is hard. Loving soccer is easy.
Jeni: It is so easy to just let go and immerse yourself in the experience of the game. The passion is contagious. I didn’t grow up a fanatical sports fan, I honestly didn’t really get it, but now I know, I’m living it and it’s hard not to be enthusiastic for an amazing team of professional athletes. I couldn’t resist going all in – especially when surrounded by a dynamic group of dedicated fans who will join you in shouting fun chants as loud as you can. There are very few times in life where you get to let yourself be a little bit crazy and just have fun.
Where can people find you before games and how do they join you during the game?
Meg: Depending on when the game is, we’ll have a pre-party or a post-party nearby. We post the place and times on our website and our social media, as well as send out the information in our members email. Some of our members get to The Cove early to meet new people and make friends.
Sara: Everyone is welcome in the Cove! At Snapdragon, we will be in 136-140. Visitors can expect a welcoming crowd with lots of drums and flags to use. Before games, we will have a tailgate on the lawn near the club’s fanfest and look forward to hanging out with all of our current Sirens as well as all of the fans who aren’t Sirens yet, but are destined to join us!
For our first tailgate we’ll have our merchandise for sale as well as drinks but more importantly bubbles, games for the whole family and guest appearances of our Sirens Cove characters – our beloved Hippo and the friendly Cove sharks. It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone who attends and we are all really excited to start playing in this beautiful new stadium.
Anything you want to plug?
Zakiya: Anyone can buy merchandise or become a member! That money goes to tifos, bubble machines (that break more often than you think), drums, flags, stickers for the kids and more. Plus our swag looks awesome.
As part of our mission to give back to the community, we’ll be collecting feminane products at the Snapdragon tailgate on 9/17 which will be donated to those with the greatest need. Just look for the bubbles and you’ll find us to drop off your donation!
With the success of the Sirens in our first season, we are looking forward to expanding our connection to the San Diego community and are reaching out to organizations that we admire so that we can use our time and energy in the off season to come together and give back to those in need. We are looking for partners to join us in building a stronger presence, definitely with girls in underserved communities who are interested in soccer, but there are so many ways in which we can bring our membership together to serve.
Sirens SG can be found on social media and their website at the following links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/sirens_sg, Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sirenssg, Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sandiego.nwsl.fans, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirens_sg/ and their website: http://www.sandiegosirens.com/
San Diego Wave FC is away the next two games, but you can catch the Sirens cheering them on in person on 9/17 at the brand new Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA at 7pm PT (but get tickets soon!) or catch that game on Paramount+
