The American Outlaws

The American Outlaws
Abbreviation A.O.
Established 2007
Type Supporters' group
Team United States of America
President Korey Donahoo
Vice President Justin Brunken
Key people
  • Brian Hexsel (Chapter Chairman & Travel Manager)
  • Megan Brunken (Secretary & Treasurer)
  • Chris Donahoo (Social Media and Event Coordinator)
  • Dan Wiersema (Communications)
Membership 30,000+
Colors      Red
Website TheAmericanOutlaws.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 in Chicago in the summer of 2007 and are now found at every national team game for both the men and women's teams.[6] The group can be readily identified by their red membership shirts, American flag bandanas, and are most often located behind one of the stadiums goals with their banners.[7] They are frequently accompanied by a marching band made up of members dressed like popular American icons like Captain America, Rocky Balboa, and Pilgrims.[8]

Organizational structure

National Organization

The national organization is run out of Lincoln, Nebraska and 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 the various forms of national 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 like scouting reports and a podcast.[9][10]

For the 2010 FIFA World Cup it organized a travel package for members planning on going to South Africa.[11] In 2014 they again 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 is run by Korey Donahoo & Justin Brunken and is supported by several other individuals.[12]

Local Chapters

The group is organized into local chapters that are established in cities.[13] The local chapters handle local viewing parties, building support for the national team at the local level, and are responsible for organizing festivities & supporters in the event their city hosts a game.[14]

In order to be sanctioned as an official chapter the following are required:

When chapters are officially sanctioned they receive a chapter banner. Most chapters, like Baton Rouge, Boston, and Washington, D.C., develop their chapter crest that connects American soccer and local landmarks and/or individuals. There are currently 191 official chapters and over 30,000 members.

American Outlaws Chapters

References

  1. ↑ "American Outlaws website".
  2. ↑ "CBC article on 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup fans".
  3. ↑ "Free Beer Movement Blog article on AO".
  4. ↑ "ESPN - OTL: Fevered Pitch - Chicago".
  5. ↑ "Red Kop Project Article on American Outlaws".
  6. ↑ "YouTube video from USA vs Brazil".
  7. ↑ "US Soccer Federation Best Fan Photo Nominee".
  8. ↑ "American Outlaws march to Soldier Field".
  9. ↑ "Copy of American Outlaws scouting report" (PDF).
  10. ↑ "American Outlaws Podcast".
  11. ↑ "American Outlaws World Cup Travel Plans".
  12. ↑ Burnton, Simon (2009-12-06). "The Guardian interviews Korey Donahoo". London. Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  13. ↑ "Fresno Sports Blog article on American Outlaws".
  14. ↑ Goff, Steven (2009-10-08). "Washington Post Article on DC Chapter Viewing Party". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-05-25.
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