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Hello readers. Today is the first of a running series that will highlight various supporter groups from around the league. Interestingly enough the first of the series includes a well known group that doesn’t yet have a team playing in the league (they will in 2011). Thank you Garrett of TA for helping out with today’s post. If you are part of a supporter’s group that you want highlighted you can email me @ themindofscads@gmail.com or if you want to follow the series updates will be provided at http://twitter.com/TheMindofScads.
Describe the Timbers Army…What do you guys offer to your team and fellow fans?
The Timbers Army is welcoming to all and one of the most loyal, if not the most loyal, supporters group in North America. To the team we offer 90 minutes of the most intimidating atmosphere you’ll find in the US. To the fans we offer 90 minutes of insanity.
What year was Timbers Army organized? What is the leadership structure?
The TA originally started as the Cascade Rangers. Due to the original Timbers kits somewhat resembling Celtic’s kits everyone wanted to make sure there were no mistakes about who they were supporting due to Rangers and Celtic being Old Firm arch rivals. As far as evolution goes…in 2001 maybe a dozen or so people would gather in section 107, by 2003 that number was closer to 200. During this season we regularly had anywhere from 1250 to 2000 standing in the North End actively participating. It’s hard to give a firm number to membership in the TA. The really great thing about the TA is that if you want to be TA you’re TA. I can say we have sold 6000 TA scarves hand to hand over the years. In reality the only thing that has changed is the size. We still maintain a very DIY ethic and essentially have relied on organic grassroots growth. We have so much talent within the TA that we don’t rely on anyone but ourselves to grow the TA.
To be frank within the Timbers Army there is no organization. If you want to be TA then you’re TA. In preparation for 2011 we are in the process of establishing the 107 Independent Supporters Trust, which is a group to support Portland area soccer from the grassroots to the highest level but consists of Timbers Army members.
(Click on photo to visit TimbersArmy.org)
What is the number one achievement of the Timbers Army? What is your favorite memory as a member of the Timbers Army?
There are a lot of achievements we can be proud of but the Timbers Army is most proud of our work with local charities. We volunteer at local youth soccer clubs, Hooper Detox Substance Abuse Treatment Center, Planned Parenthood, Oregon Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, Outdoor School, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics of Oregon, Friends of Trees, Multnomah County Libraries, and Oregon Public Broadcasting.
My favorite memory of the Timbers Army comes from a 2006 bus trip to Seattle. 14 hours of pure insanity. Other than that watching this happen has to be right up there. We have an incredible tifo crew who put together our displays. I always look forward to what they have planned.
What makes the Timbers Army unique from all other Supporter Groups? How do you guys get along with other Portland Supporter Groups? Are there other Portland SGs?
Actually we are the only supporters group. Like I said earlier we already have between 1500 and 2000 in the North End actively participating in the Timbers Army. Obviously we realize in 2011 there may be some new people about that want to start their own thing and if that’s the case then more power to them. As long as they support the team then we’re happy they’re around.
What could you guys do to improve?
At this point we’re just trying to maintain good relations with our front office and establish better communication channels within the Timbers Army as a whole.
What do the Timbers Army have planned for the 2010 season? What is planned in advance of the MLS inclusion? Is there pressure because of success elsewhere from newer clubs?
Due to the USL/NASL disagreement we’re just ramping up for the 2010 season so there aren’t any firm plans out there right now. Be assured you’ll see some impressive tifo displays this year and we’ll make a big splash in 2011.
I feel confident I’m speaking for the majority when I state this. We feel absolutely no pressure from the recent success stories in Toronto and Seattle, which is what I’m assuming you’re talking about. Both are amazing stories in their own right. I am constantly amazed by the marketing job Seattle’s front office managed to put together to gain all those customers wouldn’t come out to support the USL Sounders. We have worked hard in Portland over the years and we’re very proud of the level of support we’ve created for the USL level of competition. In 2011 I urge everyone to look forward to the Cascadia rivalry between Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver. MLS hasn’t seen anything like it and it’s going to be epic. The league hasn’t seen anything like this.
Anything else you want people to know? How can people join?
Show up in the North End. Sing, chant, get involved. Come have a pint at the Bitter End before or after the match and introduce yourself. If you consider yourself TA you already are.
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Which is it Rangers or Celtic? Appears you do not know the difference. LOL
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DO THE NEXT ONE ON EMPIRE SUPPORTERS CLUB
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T –
The kits (green and white hoops) were similar to Celtic, the SG was calling themselves Cascade Rangers. In order to avoid confusion (Rangers name vs. Celtic kits), they moved on to Timbers Army.
Clear enough for you?
Go Timbers!
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Are they going to allow that guy with the chainsaw into the stadium? That seems like an accident waiting to happen
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Correction. The Timbers Army started ’bout halfway through 2001 (the first season in USL), before the Celtic kits were even introduced in 2002.
There were some Celtic fans in “The Woodshed” in season 1, that didn’t like the mention of Rangers in “Cascade Rangers” and that did cause some small issues.
The name Timbers army was adopted from the “We are the Timbers Army” chant, and then came to represent all the supporters in the Northend. The small band of wann-hoolie Celtic fans were soon dwarfed in size, and most of them stopped coming to matches.
We are the Timbers Army….
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There are two chainsaws… One that stays with the log for slicing off goals (and clean sheets for the GK), and the other is just for show (motor revs but chain is undone and doesn’t work.) The two are clearly marked to distinguish the two. Jim and Joey are professionals and they don’t mess around.
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Oldfirm usa is gunna be seattle/portland. and perhaps NY/Phi
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I love the Timbers we never win a thing.
Also, I love turtles.
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What about the Popkinski (sic?) brothers? those guys are great to make out with during the games. I’ve done it a few times if I may say so myself.
Btw can’t wait for 2011!!!!!!!
Portland is Soccer city USA we will show you all how its done. MLS you haven’t seen nothing yet. Big shout out to the TA and my Burnside crew!
GO Timbers!!!!!
Love,
Rob
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Describe the Timbers Army… Shame of the Northwest.
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Portland is Soccer City USA??….Buaahahahahahahahahahahaha…Self proclaimed of course!
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F*** OFF PORTLAND SCUM – YOULL NEVER BE SEATTLE!!!
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Actually, Jackie, Portland was given the title of Soccer City USA. Jealous much? We know you are.
RCTID
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Sounder4Life- Thank god you clarified that! We wouldn’t want to be Seattle- We have more class, bigger balls, more taste and less rain than Sh*ttle. And better beer. And our team colors don’t suck.
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jackie moon sucks ass.
go Timbers!Soccer cty USA! self proclaimed or not we’ll still rock our world. hahaahahahahahahahahahahah
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GO TIMBERS!!!
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well Im from Portland but Ill admit Seattle is a way nicer city and more worldly than Portland I dont think anyone can say it isnt but we have our own charm that sets us apart. Portland is a great city thats for sure.
Cheers from Rocco’s
Love Rob
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LOL. Who exactly “gave” you the title “Soccer City?”
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Great idea for a story series MLSR…keep ‘em coming!
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The “Customers” tagline you timber scum put on Seattle fans is an old tired gag that needs to be taken out to the woods and shot.
When you graph out the season tickets bought and pace, and compare it to the actual scarves campaign and other advertising done in Seattle, you’d see that the tickets were a hot item before the advertising, and hovered around 17,500 for a month of two – AFTER the advertising campaign.
The move from 17k to 24k in season tickets came about solely due to the feeling it was going to sell out, and then it did.
You sound fucking retarded when you say that Seattle did well to bring out the “customers”. What are you going to call the 10k new timber fans who will make up you fan base? customers? somehow I doubt it.
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Dear Seattle,
Where were you before 2009?
Average attendance – regular season league matches
Seattle
2009 MLS: 31,203
2008 USL: 3,325
2007 USL: 3,826
Portland
2009 USL 9,734
2008 USL 6,828
2007 USL 5,575
I guess marching bands and glitter did a lot to help attendance in Seattle.
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The Northwest Derby will be just what American soccer needs.
In Portland there was no need to land an MLS franchise, give scarves away, create marching bands, shoot glitter from cannons, pipe in “European atmosphere” and put ass ugly puke color kits on their team to get people interested in soccer. The TA’s numbers have been growimg year after year even with some past hostile front offices.
You’re right Sounder fan, we will never be like you. We will never be the plastic, souless, disney wank fest you guys try to pass as the best thing ever in the history of the sport.
See you clowns in 2011
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I love how Shittle fans get so angry when we pop up. Instead of understanding that our rivalry is a good thing you all have temper tantrums.
It’s also sad that you can’t admit to the bandwagon. Your owner is smearing your logo on The Price is Right and they attendance shot up. Is that a bad thing? No because it helps soccer in the long run. But at the same time you can act the bad ass.
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Lankshier, I agree with you that our rivalry is a good thing. But the “bandwagon” and “customers” thing has to go(especially since your partners Section8 have become Best Buy’s stooges). Personally, I hope that the Tumblers get exactly the same kind of response from their city, that the Sounders have received here.
Regarding “Bandwagon”: I’m old and I love punk rock. Have loved punk rock since the Dead Kennedys changed my life in 1985. So how do I respond when a youngster starts chatting me up about the punk-love even though he/she has only started on their road less traveled? Do I label them a “bandwagoner” or a “customer” and disregard their passion because they’ve only had the fire for a year as opposed to my twenty five? No. I encourage it and find a way to clue them into some history and perspective so their experience isn’t limited to buying a t-shirt at Hot Topic. They are the future and if they burn like me, then the outlook is good.
I admit to being a Sounders newb, but I reject the bandwagon and customer label. They not only won me over to their side, but to the game of futbol in general. What started as watching the Sounders on the telly, has morphed into hours online searching for highlights of CS Maritimo/Porto(wtf?),cheering on Leeds in the FA Cup, boring my wife to tears with transfer rumours, writing scathing screeds to local sports reporters about no news from the La Manga Cup, hours upon hours of reading the history of the worldwide game and countless clubs, actual concern for Pompey, telling my kids they can play video games only after they’ve kicked the ball around a bit, and having my scarf with me at all times.
From what I’ve seen and heard from other new supporters is mostly the same kind of experience. It was like finding my beloved punk rock.
See you on March 11th.
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‘ I’m old and I love punk rock. Have loved punk rock since the Dead Kennedys changed my life in 1985.’
Much as I love the Dk’s you are fuckin’ yawn-city. Good band, but it’s a shame you’re such a sentimental dipshit.
‘It was like finding my beloved punk rock.’
Whatever! Poseur. Everyone knows Prog is the new Punk. MAGMA RULES!
Green is the color
RCTID
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