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The American Outlaws

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This article is about the U.S. Soccer supporters' group. For other uses, see American outlaw.

The American Outlaws
AbbreviationAO
Established2007
TypeSupporters' group
TeamUnited States of America
PresidentBrian Hexsel
Vice PresidentJustin Brunken
Key people
  • Megan Brunken (Secretary & Treasurer)
  • Chris Donahoo (Social Media and Event Coordinator)
Membership30,000+
Colors  Red
WebsiteTheAmericanOutlaws.com

The American Outlaws (abbreviation: AO) are an unofficial supporters' group for the United States men's national soccer team and United States women's national soccer team[1][2] and have been described as "a raucous group of U.S. supporters" by ESPN.[3][4] Founded in 2007 by a group of fans from Lincoln, Nebraska, the group set out to "unite and strengthen" supporters at United States national soccer team games.[5]

Their first appearance was at an international friendly between Brazil and the United States at Soldier Field in Chicago on September 9, 2007, and they are now found at every men's and women's national team games.[6] The group can be readily identified by their red membership shirts and American flag bandanas. At games, they are most often located as a group in the seats behind one of the goals. They usually bring banners and other TIFO.[7] They are frequently accompanied by a drum corp made up of members dressed like popular American icons such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Captain America, Rocky Balboa, and the Pilgrims.[8]

Organizational structure

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National organization

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The national organization is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it handles the day-to-day operations of the group. The national organization is in charge of domestic ticket requests and all other matters pertaining to U.S. Soccer for members. It develops national team-related merchandise like membership kits, T-shirts, and scarves. It is responsible for connecting supporters from around the country through travel and accommodations deals and producing various forms of media content such as scouting reports and a podcast.[9][10]

For the 2010 FIFA World Cup, AO organized a travel package for members planning on going to South Africa.[11] At the following 2014, they organized a travel package for Brazil for over 550 members. In 2015, American Outlaws organized their first trip to the Women's World Cup.

The organization was formed and is run by Korey Donahoo and Justin Brunken and is supported by numerous other individuals.[12]

Local chapters

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The group is organized into local chapters based in metropolitan areas.[13] The local chapters handle building support for the national teams at the local level, and are responsible for organizing members attending official U.S. national team games in their city, including parties pre- and post-game, and chants in the stands.[14]

The requirements for recognition as an official chapter are:

  • Organization of a local leadership group;
  • Enrolling a minimum of 35 dues-paying members;
  • Partnering with a local bar to hosting viewing parties on a regular basis;
  • Agreement to abide by the National Code of Conduct and By-Laws.

Newly recognized chapters develop a crest that connects American soccer with local landmarks and/or individuals. They receive a banner from AO upon their recognition. There are currently 203 official chapters and over 30,000 members.

American Outlaws chapters

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There are over 200 American Outlaws chapters, present in all states, Washington, D. C., and Puerto Rico, in addition to multiple international chapters:[15]

Controversy

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Like many supporter groups around the world, The American Outlaws have been involved in a number of controversies of various degrees. One was related to whether the organization should be non-profit, and whether travel costs should be paid for staff who work at game fixtures. Another involved accusations that the group had a "frat boy" culture that alienated some male and many female members as the organization expanded.[16][17] In response, The American Outlaws created "AO Watch", a group that addresses fan reports of misbehavior by American Outlaw supporters during games.[17] The group has also actively undertaken to address racism, sexism, and homophobia before they happen, including working to ban the "puto" chant now banned by FIFA worldwide.[17]

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  • American Outlaws tailgate outside Rose Bowl before 2011 Gold Cup Final
    American Outlaws tailgate outside Rose Bowl before 2011 Gold Cup Final
  • Tifo display organized by American Outlaws before U.S. vs. Spain at Gillette Stadium
    Tifo display organized by American Outlaws before U.S. vs. Spain at Gillette Stadium
  • Tifo display organized by American Outlaws during U.S. vs. Haiti at Gillette Stadium
    Tifo display organized by American Outlaws during U.S. vs. Haiti at Gillette Stadium
  • American Outlaws section before U.S. vs. Czech Republic at Rentschler Field
    American Outlaws section before U.S. vs. Czech Republic at Rentschler Field
  • American Outlaws Lexington watch party
    American Outlaws Lexington watch party

References

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  1. ^ "American Outlaws website".
  2. ^ "CBC article on 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup fans".
  3. ^ "Free Beer Movement Blog article on AO". August 20, 2009.
  4. ^ "ESPN - OTL: Fevered Pitch - Chicago".
  5. ^ "Red Kop Project Article on American Outlaws".
  6. ^ "YouTube video from USA vs Brazil". YouTube.[dead YouTube link]
  7. ^ "US Soccer Federation Best Fan Photo Nominee".
  8. ^ "American Outlaws march to Soldier Field". YouTube. June 7, 2009. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021.
  9. ^ "Copy of American Outlaws scouting report" (PDF).
  10. ^ "American Outlaws Podcast".
  11. ^ "American Outlaws World Cup Travel Plans".
  12. ^ Burnton, Simon (December 6, 2009). "The Guardian interviews Korey Donahoo". London. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  13. ^ "Fresno Sports Blog article on American Outlaws".
  14. ^ Goff, Steven (October 8, 2009). "Washington Post Article on DC Chapter Viewing Party". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 16, 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  15. ^ "The American Outlaws".
  16. ^ Nachman, Gideon (March 12, 2015). "The growing pains of U.S. soccer's dominant supporter's group". Fusion. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  17. ^ a b c Davis, Noah (June 6, 2016). "Beers, bandanas and boos: the American Outlaws' grapple with frat-boy soccer". Fusion. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
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