Written by: Matt Swift
In the heart of the Queen City, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, a new soccer entity has emerged. This young franchise has swiftly become a unifying force, bringing together people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and passions. In a city known for its diversity, Charlotte FC has provided a common bond that transcends social, cultural, and economic boundaries, connecting a community under the shared love for the beautiful game. From die-hard supporters to casual enthusiasts, this dynamic club has woven a tapestry of unity, illustrating the profound impact sports can have in creating connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
As the team continues to establish its identity and forge a path toward greatness, it is crucial for fans and supporters to embrace the power of patience and appreciate the unique journey of being part of a club in its developing stages. Here, I would like to explore the significance of building traditions at Charlotte FC and highlight the importance of patience and not comparing our team to those with century-long legacies. Keep in mind, clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayren Munch have been around since the early 1900’s
Embracing the Ground Floor
Every great soccer club has rich traditions, built upon years of history and shared experiences. While it may be tempting to compare Charlotte FC to renowned teams with decades or even centuries of legacy, it is essential to acknowledge that every club must start somewhere. Being part of the “ground floor” offers an opportunity to shape the team’s identity and contribute to its history in unique and meaningful ways. The amazing part about it is, we are all building this from scratch. You are creating history. From all the chants to sayings like; “Crowns Up”, these little things construct our future. But, we must be patient and not get frustrated that we are not on the same level yet as other clubs around the world.
Patience: The Key to Legacy
In a sport that thrives on instant gratification, it is crucial for fans and supporters to exercise patience. Building traditions takes time, and the process is often more rewarding when it unfolds organically. By being patient, we allow the team to grow naturally, nurturing the culture and traditions that will define Charlotte FC for years to come. Take our pre-game tradition of the Poznan while Pepas plays. It has taken time for the rest of the fans who are not in the supporter section of the stadium to embrace it and participate. Now when you go to games, everyone is doing it. But, it took over a whole season for that to develop.
Appreciating the Present
While it is natural to dream of future successes and envision the pinnacle of achievement, it is equally important to appreciate the present. Each match, each goal, each loss, and each victory is a stepping stone toward the creation of our legacy. By cherishing the small victories and relishing in the growth of the team, we enhance the sense of belonging and build an atmosphere of camaraderie among fellow supporters. Again, it’s hard to not compare ourselves to other teams, but I caution against this. We will make errors and as we have already seen, we will have some occasional drama. No club is perfect, mistakes will be made. While it is completely fine, and at times, beneficial to be critical of the team, we must do so with an awareness that we are only in our 2nd season.
Charlotte FC Traditions
Traditions serve as the lifeblood of any soccer club, encapsulating the collective memories, emotions, and values that bind fans together. Charlotte FC, in its quest to establish its own unique identity, has the opportunity to cultivate traditions that will be cherished by supporters for generations. Again, for you reading this, you are helping create all of that and to me, that’s a beautiful thing. From Tifos, to chants, to funny or playful sayings, it all matters, it all creates our style and attitude.
We have the game-day march to the stadium, and we have our own game-day traditions. We have the Poznan, we have the crowning at the beginning of matches, and we also crown the MVP at the end of games. We have amazing ambassadors like Marcela, La Muerte, and Sombrero Man, and you are starting to see more and more people dress up and take on Charlotte FC personas. It’s really cool to see. And it’s just year 2!
Diverse Community
In the realm of sports, it is undeniable that diverse backgrounds and perspectives converge, sometimes resulting in clashes and disagreements. When people come together, each carrying their unique experiences and beliefs, it can be challenging to find common ground. In the context of Charlotte FC, it is crucial to recognize that our shared passion for the team transcends individual differences. Rather than engaging in divisive debates about who is right or who possesses more passion, it is imperative that we shift our focus towards a shared goal: creating traditions that bind us together.
By embracing the spirit of collaboration and openness, we can harness the power of collective creativity to develop traditions that truly reflect the diverse Charlotte FC’s fan base. It is in this spirit of unity that we can bridge divides, embrace one another’s perspectives, and forge a legacy that is truly representative of our community as a whole. I find it dishearting at times, to see posts on social media, where people are fighting over who is more passionate, who is the “better fan”. We all have personal biases, we all have an idea of how we want to do things, but the trick is to figure out how to embrace other thoughts and ideas and mold them together into one beautiful idea. It’s hard, and we have certainly fought about it, but it’s time to listen and embrace one another more.
As Charlotte FC continues to grow and develop, fans and supporters must appreciate the journey and relish in the unique opportunity of being part of a young franchise. By focusing on our own path and cultivating traditions that reflect our values, we can create a soccer culture that stands the test of time. Let us savor every moment, celebrate the milestones, and cheer as one united community, as we etch our story into the annals of Charlotte FC history.
As my favorite author, Hunter S Thompson once said; “Buy the ticket, take the ride.”