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View Full Version : Will TFC ever get a "World Cup Bump"



bgnewf
06-29-2010, 03:23 PM
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/2010/06/...for-toronto-fc/ (http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/2010/06/will-there-be-a-%e2%80%9cworld-cup-bump%e2%80%9d-for-toronto-fc/)

I postulate on what I think it will take for TFC to get a "Bump" from the World Cup.

Comments always welcome

___________________________________________

Toronto FC has come very far in four years, but in these past couple of weeks I have seen that the club still has a long way to go in order to become truly accepted by the vast numbers of soccer fans there appear to be in Toronto. More will come around eventually, and some never will. It is just going to take a long long time. And as fan of both the Canadian and English national teams, and of course Toronto FC, if there is anything I am – it is definitely patient... at least when it comes to soccer. TFC is not truly yet fully a part of the soccer consciousness of what is at times a soccer mad city… but it can be, and I think I know how.

For those of you loyal readers who do not live in “The Big Smoke” (no that is not a G20 pun!), downtown Toronto is a pretty colourful place during the World Cup. Every four years the city embraces the beautiful game in a way that is perhaps unique around the world. In my part of the city for example Portuguese and Brazilian flags adorn many shops and homes. A few blocks to the east South Korean flags abound. Up the street is St. Clair West, the pulsing heart of Little Italy. A fifteen minute ride on the subway gets me to the Danforth, one of the largest ex-pat Greek communities that there is on earth – and that street is always decked out in blue and white from head to toe when the Greek national team is in a tournament like this. And thrown in for good measure there is the occasional English, Dutch, Nigerian or Spanish flag on display everywhere you look. Vehicles all over Metropolitan Toronto have been festooned with those little car flags for weeks now.

And everybody gets along. Watching my English crash out of the tournament at one of the most popular English Pubs in the city on Sunday past (props to the Duke of Gloucester!!) there were even some fans supporting Germany that were there in the midst of rabid English supporters. And guess what? We all got along pretty well. For that matter it is this “getting along” mixed with the multicultural reality of the city and the common love of the sport that make this such a great place to be during this tournament.

Toronto’s multicultural jumble embraces the sport of soccer during the World Cup but as of yet this mass of citizens has truly yet to embrace Toronto FC to the degree one might expect. I have gone out of my way during the World Cup to talk to Torontonians that I work with and whom I interact with on the street about their knowledge and/or interest about Toronto FC. I even try and evangelize a little when I get a chance about how great the soccer experience that TFC is and that it is definitely worth a look. Yet frankly I have been surprised with the lack of knowledge/interest that I have encountered about all things TFC.

There is snobbery there to a degree (at least in some cases). “’Canadian’ or ‘North American’ footy can’t be good can it?” “The level of play is not as good as the Portuguese Liga or the Dutch Eredivisie so it must suck!” “I support Juventus / Arsenal / Barcelona /England / Argentina / Ghana etc. and anything else is crap!” I hate this type of argument almost as much as I hate Landycakes and The Columbus Crew. Snobs will be snobs. I am not going to worry about that segment of the populace.

As well there is emotional attachment to country/club that is hard to break into. Part of what makes footy fandom so special in my eyes is the utter loyalty individuals display for the chosen club/country they support through feast and famine. Yet it is not uncommon seeing TFC fans at BMO Field wearing both TFC gear and gear from another overseas club/country at the same time. Some are obviously comfortable ceding part of their soccer hearts to Toronto FC and some are not. And it will take many many years for that to change to a more significant degree.

Lack of knowledge is definitely there as well if you can believe it. Four years in and the club is still unknown in some circles in Toronto. For example, going to the Kansas City game on June 5th as I was getting off the bus to go to our pre-game watering hole I passed by a couple wearing a Brazil and Portugal jersey respectively. The lady in the Brazilian strip asked me what Toronto FC actually was as she had seen a lot of people heading towards Liberty Village wearing the same jerseys that afternoon and was curious at to what was going on. I then proceeded to try in the seconds I had (I was “thirsty”) to tell her that Toronto now had a professional soccer team playing in a good league in a soccer specific stadium… and it was just over there, as I pointed towards BMO…I know this is anecdotal but I think that in certain communities within Toronto this is regrettably still the case. And only time and success for TFC on the pitch I feel will open the eyes of those not familiar with what has been happening.

And perhaps the biggest question to ask is truly how much do the fans that come out of the background to cheer during the World Cup care about the sport in the same fashion as the committed TFC fan does? With due respect to all, I think a large segment of the fans that cheer so hard during the World Cup in Toronto care more about their heritage, pride in where they come from, sharing experiences with friends and family of the same background and feeling connected to their ancestral homes then they do about the sport of soccer per se. And that is perfectly fine in and of itself. Frankly that to me is one of the most wonderful things about the sport in general and the World Cup in particular, especially how it manifests itself in Toronto. However when July 12th comes around the car flags come down, the flags get folded and put away and these people get on with their lives without the distraction of a local football team.

Will the hundreds of thousands of fans of the sport of soccer in Toronto ever embrace TFC the way they embrace the national sides like Italy and Brazil? I do not think for a moment they ever will in equivalent numbers, not in my lifetime at least. I think it is going to take one single event to get Toronto FC into the consciousness of the Torontonians not yet fans of Toronto FC…. Canada needs to qualify for the World Cup and Toronto FC players need to be front and centre in the effort to get there. If Canada draws Italy or England or Brazil in the 2014 World Cup and starting centre half Nana Attakora for example plays in the match that one single moment will do more for the visibility of TFC in Toronto than any billboard, any commercial, any conversation or any trophy will do between now and then.

If you truly want TFC to break through into the sporting mainstream in Toronto then get behind Team Canada!

:canada::scarf::canada:

Roogsy
06-29-2010, 03:33 PM
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/2010/06/...for-toronto-fc/ (http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/2010/06/will-there-be-a-%e2%80%9cworld-cup-bump%e2%80%9d-for-toronto-fc/)

I think a large segment of the fans that cheer so hard during the World Cup in Toronto care more about their heritage, pride in where they come from, sharing experiences with friends and family of the same background and feeling connected to their ancestral homes then they do about the sport of soccer per se.

Nice blog big guy. I think the highlighted part here is the key to your musings.

The fact is that for many, MANY people, the World Cup isn't about soccer, it's about cheering for your country on the biggest stage on the planet. Most of them barely see a single soccer game between World Cups. Those people will never become TFC fans.

The key to helping the sport grow in Canada is in effect to increase the pride people have in being here in Canada as opposed to reminiscing about where they came from. The next generations will be key. When people are thankful for being here rather than seeing Canada as a temporary "stop" before heading back to their old countries, that is also when people will look at local representation as their choice of club to support.

Whoop
06-29-2010, 03:36 PM
Nice blog big guy. I think the highlighted part here is the key to your musings.

The fact is that for many, MANY people, the World Cup isn't about soccer, it's about cheering for your country on the biggest stage on the planet. Most of them barely see a single soccer game between World Cups. Those people will never become TFC fans.

The key to helping the sport grow in Canada is in effect to increase the pride people have in being here in Canada as opposed to reminiscing about where they came from. The next generations will be key. When people are thankful for being here rather than seeing Canada as a temporary "stop" before heading back to their old countries, that is also when people will look at local representation as their choice of club to support.

I agree 100% Roogs. Especially the bolded part.

It's too bad Canada couldn't make a WC.

Bars92
06-29-2010, 05:45 PM
Agreed. The WC is like the Olympics in that no one really cares about luge, but everyone is cheering for their country when it happens every 4 years.

Suds
06-29-2010, 05:53 PM
great post .... enjoyed that one

H Bomb
06-29-2010, 06:19 PM
As with any great brain wash scheme the key is to get them when theyre young. The amount of kids I see in toronto in tfc jerseys makes me not worry about our future.

SilverSamurai
06-29-2010, 06:32 PM
I agree 100% Roogs. Especially the bolded part.

It's too bad Canada couldn't make a WC.
+1. Or should I say +2? lol

In any case these "bandwagon supporters" were supporting Canada for hockey but as soon as the sport changes, so does their team.

Where are all the German and Italian hockey supporters?
Oh right... :facepalm:

And Italy does have a hockey kit...
http://www.iihf.com/uploads/RTEmagicC_Italy-1933-A1.2.jpg.jpg

TFC/ARSENAL
06-29-2010, 06:49 PM
Watching how the Americans came together to support their team made me long for the time when we will be in the same position. I don't think it will too much longer. We can do our part by filling the stadium for international friendlies in Toronto.

Roogsy
06-29-2010, 07:29 PM
+1. Or should I say +2? lol

In any case these "bandwagon supporters" were supporting Canada for hockey but as soon as the sport changes, so does their team.

Where are all the German and Italian hockey supporters?
Oh right... :facepalm:

And Italy does have a hockey kit...
http://www.iihf.com/uploads/RTEmagicC_Italy-1933-A1.2.jpg.jpg




Exactly. I haven't seen many of those. Or German ones. Or English ones.

Red CB Toronto
06-29-2010, 09:51 PM
I think the true bump will come with Canada playing in the World Cup. I think it would be really interesting to see what World Cup fever throughout Toronto would be like with the Red and White in it actually like.

TFC115
06-30-2010, 09:32 AM
+1. Or should I say +2? lol

In any case these "bandwagon supporters" were supporting Canada for hockey but as soon as the sport changes, so does their team.

Where are all the German and Italian hockey supporters?
Oh right... :facepalm:

And Italy does have a hockey kit...
http://www.iihf.com/uploads/RTEmagicC_Italy-1933-A1.2.jpg.jpg




Ok, you gotta understand that these are 2 different things. I was born here in Toronto, but my whole family is italian. I play Jr.A hockey and yes I cheered for canada like the rest of the hardcores out there, but you gotta understand that soccer is part of the italian culture. I was brought up with a italian jersey on since i was a kid and watch serie a since I was 10. Soccer is culture, same with hockey. So to say that we are bandwagoners is absoulte horse shit.

bgnewf
06-30-2010, 10:08 AM
...I was born here in Toronto, but my whole family is italian...I was brought up with a Italian jersey on since I was a kid and watch Serie A since I was 10. Soccer is culture, same with hockey. So to say that we are bandwagoners is absoulte horse shit.

Hypothetical question for you sir.

2014 World Cup in Brazil. Canada qualifies and is drawn the same group as Italy. Who do you cheer for?

Fort York Redcoat
06-30-2010, 10:11 AM
I'm more interested in converting those fun-fans that cheer for a foreign National side to celebrate the country they live in. Most countries in the world have this difference between club support which tends to be more surly and the National support which tends to have a good day out.

ArmenJBX
06-30-2010, 10:14 AM
Replacing Italy with Brazil, I'd cheer for Canada.

Cheering for the big teams, the usual world cup competitors, etc is fun and all, but it's just not the same. When you look at players like Julian de Guzman and De Rosario, playing in a World Cup, and knowing that, hey, these guys grew up where I grew up, these guys probably went to the same hamburger places or sports fields or malls that I do...it just gives a connection you don't get with Brazil or Italy.

Yes, they are your background, but Canada is your home. It's a strange scenario, but I would say, just like I had a pull towards USA this year, for the TFC players they had (sorry, ex-TFC players :D), I'd definitely cheer for Canada.

Suds
06-30-2010, 10:16 AM
Ok, you gotta understand that these are 2 different things. I was born here in Toronto, but my whole family is italian. I play Jr.A hockey and yes I cheered for canada like the rest of the hardcores out there, but you gotta understand that soccer is part of the italian culture. I was brought up with a italian jersey on since i was a kid and watch serie a since I was 10. Soccer is culture, same with hockey. So to say that we are bandwagoners is absoulte horse shit.


Maybe the term bandwagon was a bit harsh. :) But I see the point Sliver was trying to make.

I'm like you, born in England, Irish & English parents, but grew up in Canada. People love to support their heritage and bust out their colours. The WC just lends itself to that. So yeah, I had the St. George out cheering on my team. And I cheer for Ireland too. (crazy, eh?)

But given the option of cheering for Canada in the WC I'd be all over it. Sporting the red & white and the the maple leaf for sure! (I consider myself Canadian first)

It would be interesting to see the support Canada would get if they were in the WC. I think a lot of people would be behind Canada; but just not when they are playing the team from their "home country".

Suds
06-30-2010, 10:18 AM
Hypothetical question for you sir.

2014 World Cup in Brazil. Canada qualifies and is drawn the same group as Italy. Who do you cheer for?

good question for all us expats ..

Canada vs. England or Ireland?? for me, Canada - hands down! (but I'd still be cheering for my old country teams)

Parkdale
06-30-2010, 10:19 AM
I'm more interested in converting those fun-fans that cheer for a foreign National side to celebrate the country they live in. Most countries in the world have this difference between club support which tends to be more surly and the National support which tends to have a good day out.



who you calling surly?

but yeah.... when you see all the costumes and general partying that goes on at the WC, it really contrasts from the dour and stern faced image we see of club support. I mean colored afro wigs? You don't really see those at the club level. (but after my headshave tomorrow, I might have to get one)

denime
06-30-2010, 10:43 AM
As with any great brain wash scheme the key is to get them when theyre young. The amount of kids I see in toronto in tfc jerseys makes me not worry about our future.

The key is to qualify to WC more than once in 100 years.You can't brainwash kids to support or play for Canada when there is no Canada on the soccer map.
Doesn't matter how hard you try, kid will always choose to cheer for the team that participates at WC,until Canada gets there we can forget about that.

As far TFC goes it is different story,many kids already supporting TFC because they can watch TFC playing at BMO or TV.Youth clubs signing up for ball boys and players escorts are giving the kids opportunity to experience something new,something they can't get from Canada NT or any other old country NT.

Now if MLSE would lover the prices of "all" beverages at BMO,more parents would be able to afford to buy "cold" TFC kool aid for them and kids,that would for sure help brainwashing us all for better TFC support.:D

Fort York Redcoat
06-30-2010, 11:08 AM
+1. Or should I say +2? lol

In any case these "bandwagon supporters" were supporting Canada for hockey but as soon as the sport changes, so does their team.

Where are all the German and Italian hockey supporters?
Oh right... :facepalm:

And Italy does have a hockey kit...
http://www.iihf.com/uploads/RTEmagicC_Italy-1933-A1.2.jpg.jpg

The term more applicable is glory hunters. They were on the bandwagon since the beginning so it's an oxymoron. They just never supported their own team because they weren't popular enough. They. This is not a personal response to anyone in here. I'm sure you all support Canada to varying degrees.

SilverSamurai
06-30-2010, 11:10 AM
Ok, you gotta understand that these are 2 different things. I was born here in Toronto, but my whole family is italian. I play Jr.A hockey and yes I cheered for canada like the rest of the hardcores out there, but you gotta understand that soccer is part of the italian culture. I was brought up with a italian jersey on since i was a kid and watch serie a since I was 10. Soccer is culture, same with hockey. So to say that we are bandwagoners is absoulte horse shit.
It's only different things if you make it out to be.

I was born in TO as well. My entire family is Hispanic. Soccer is also part of the Hispanic culture. Soccer is part of really every culture when you think of it, but it's stronger in Latin cultures (Hispanic/Italian/Portuguese) IMO.
Difference is back in the day, the soccer my family followed wasn't on TV and the internets was nothing but a dream, so I was limited to the odd game.

Why do I cheer for Canada? Lets see. I was born here, I've been raised here, why should I support a country I've never lived in, nor have any desire to ever do so?
Besides I have much more in common with people here than in any Hispanic culture. Somethings I see/hear make me go, wtf?

While bandwagon might've been a bit harsh and I'm not going to call you a part time supporter or anything but I can't understand the rationale of "changing teams" according to sport.

What really irks me and baffles me is when people put down Canada and say oh the "old country" is better, if it's so good, why you here? (Not saying that you said that at all)


Oh as for TFC getting a WC bump, I would think a far run in the Champions League might help perceptions to the "footie elite". Really the league to beat in CONCACAF is the Mexican League. They are the big boy on the block.

maninb
06-30-2010, 11:17 AM
Well said...future generations will be cheering for TFC since it is becoming a reality that kids in Southern Ontario now have a pro side to aspire too...to me that's the #1 thing....

sec117
06-30-2010, 01:51 PM
Very good blog. This is the kind stuff that we need to be on a bigger stage like the sun or star espcieally now, in middle of wc. Something like this, when people are in the wc high, could grab more supporters. I would send the blog or the idea to writers of sun/star maybe this can help tfc and wc canada

gtaguy
06-30-2010, 05:17 PM
I think that for TFC to be taken seriously by eurosnobs a few things need to happen.
1. TFC needs to perform consistently in a high calibre in the MLS
2. TFC needs international recognition and not becuase were the best fans. This comes via winning a big tournament the likes of the Concacaf Championship
4. Bring in high calibre players that eurosnobs and the sorts can relate to.
5. Media fully support our team through thick and thin much like the Maple Leafs.
6. Player development where communities can get behind a local kid turned home town hero becuase they play in the MLS or for TFC.

my own two cents on the matter.