Gorilla FC

Gorilla FC (GFC) is an independent supporters' group for Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC.

Organization

Gorilla FC (Gorilla Football Collective) was formed in 2009 to support Seattle Sounders FC. It is the reincarnation of the anti-globalization activist group, Guerrilla FC.^[1][2] The group meets before home games at Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant in Seattle before marching with their gorilla mascot, Civ, to Century Link Field.^[3] Members are in the south end of the stadium in section 120 with other vocal supporters' groups during the match. GFC supports the team with Tifo displays before and during matches.^[4] For away games, the group travels in support of the Sounders and has held viewing parties at the many Soccer bars around Seattle which are posted on their site.^[5] It also has a recreational soccer team.

Activism and events

GFC is an antifa group that builds community in Seattle with a soccer influence. The organization was inspired by the liberal supporter groups of German club St. Pauli. The group promotes equality, calling itself "anti-racist, anti-fascist, anti-sexist and anti-homophobic."^[2] GFC has organized protests and actions to combat/disrupt racist and Nazi events held in Seattle. GFC has helped to raise over $60,000 for charities. Gorilla FC works to use soccer as an avenue to support the community, and have fun while doing it. A cornerstone of the group is coordinating benefits for causes that are important to its members.^[6] These have been held for organizations such as El Comité Impulsor del Juicio a Goni, Free Burma Rangers, and Opportunitas Aequa. A benefit was held in 2009 for anti-domestic violence group Home Alive. In 2010, a fund-raiser with Steve Zakuani and James Riley of the Sounders to benefit Doctors Without Borders raised over $20,000.^[7][8][9] Gorilla FC was one of three supporter groups to join in Sounders FC in its partnership with Mercy Corps to raise funds for relief efforts after the 2010 Colombia floods.^[10]

James Riley, a former Sounders FC defender, and Gorilla FC organize a yearly youth tournament to benefit Renway Boys and Girls Club.

GFC has held other events such as a meet-and-greet at Fado with players Sebastien Le Toux and Taylor Graham before the 2009 MLS Cup in Seattle. Gorilla FC also held a 2011 End of Year party with presenting the GFC player of the Year award, titled The Big John Award, to Kasey Keller. ^[11] Trips to away matches have included those to Vancouver and Portland with other groups for Sounders' U.S. Open Cup matches against the Timbers.^[12]

References

External links

Official website