PORTLAND, Oregon (15 February, 2012) - Soccer rivalries are known for their intensity, but leadership of soccer supporters groups from across the US and Canada set aside their rivalries last weekend in Portland, Oregon for the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) conference.

The ISC works to promote supporters’ culture in North America, and defend the rights of soccer supporters. Over the weekend, representatives of supporters of 16 of the 19 teams in Major League Soccer discussed issues facing supporters, and revised and ratified the Independent Supporters Council Charter, including the Supporters Bill of Rights.

“By speaking with a singular voice for all recognized supporters groups regarding issues that may be specific to one group, but that affect all, ISC can effectively use the collective leverage of all groups to protect the interests of each individual group,” said Jason Corliss board member of Red Bull New York's Viking Army SC.

“MLS is beginning to appreciate the role of supporters, and aren’t just marketing the game to soccer moms any longer. It’s a step in the right direction, but we want to make certain all supporters can safely and passionately follow their team wherever they travel,” said Abram Goldman-Armstrong, a founding member of the ISC and board member of the Timbers Army 107 Independent Supporters Trust, which hosted the conference in Portland.

ISC initiatives include:

Coordinating an annual ISC conference open to delegations of supporters from all clubs in the United States and Canada, including MLS, lower-league levels and women’s soccer

Tracking incidents and advocating for stadium security trained to understand supporter culture

Developing clear, consistent guidelines and fair ticket allocations for traveling supporters

Organizing the administration and funding of a new Supporters' Shield trophy

Advocating for an MLS schedule that is favorable to traveling fans, especially rivalry games

Working for the adoption of a league-wide Supporters’ Bill of Rights

Groups in attendance who ratified the charter:

• Los Angeles Galaxy (Angel City Brigade)
  
• Columbus (Hudson St. Hooligans)
  
• San Jose Earthquakes (Casbah)
  
• Real Salt Lake (Rogue Cavaliers Brigade)
  
• Vancouver Whitecaps (Southsiders)
  
• New York Red Bulls (Viking Army)
  
• New York Red Bulls (Empire Supporters Club)
  
• Chivas USA (Union Ultras)
  
• Chicago Fire (Section 8 Chicago ISA)
  
• Colorado Rapids (Pid Army)
  
• Colorado Rapids (Bulldog Supporters Group)
  
• New England (Midnight Riders)
  
• Portland Timbers (Timbers Army/107 Independent Supporters Trust)
  
• DC United (Screaming Eagles)
• Houston Dynamo (Texian Army)
  
• Toronto FC (Red Patch Boys)
  

ISC - The Independent Supporters Council was founded in 2009 to advocate for the fair treatment of home and away supporters, promote supporter culture, and oppose racism and bias in the stadium. www.soccersupporters.org

107ist - The 107 Independent Supporters Trust is the not-for-profit organization of the Timbers Army, dedicated to supporting soccer in and around Portland, Oregon, from the grassroots to the highest professional level. www.timbersarmy.org