Guest column from Chrissy Webb

Hello my name is Chrissy and God, do I love soccer.  If you would have met me 7 years ago, I would have never thought I would say those words . . . that was until I watched one of the 2011 Women’s World Cup matches and was introduced to this beautiful game. That same year, I moved to Nashville for work and went to my first USWNT match and there was nothing like it; the atmosphere, the energy, the roar of the fans when we scored our first goal. It was in that moment I learned this was much bigger than just cheering a club, it’s about growth of the game, the culture, the community, and it’s about being part of a family.

The evolution of a soccer fan is interesting, isn’t it? The journey to find your favorite club(s), favorite player(s) and local club supporters group /or starting a much-needed supporters group.  My journey started with falling in love with the USWNT; from there attending watch parties hosted by American Outlaws Nashville Chapter and traveling over 3000 miles to matches with AO family. It was through these experiences of watching and traveling together that a small core group of NWSL fans with a love for Club and Country emerged with the issue of where to meet to watch matches.

Thankfully, this season the partnership of NWSL and Lifetime made this a reality. After an AO Nashville watch party a conversation stirred about having public watch parties, because we wanted to create a space that hopefully will grow interest in women’s soccer locally. So, I took a leap and asked Tailgate Music Row, who has been extremely welcoming in hosting watch parties for different soccer matches, if we could watch the Lifetime NWSL match of the week and of course they said yes. With a watch party location set and a core group of WOSO supporters; NWSLville Supporters was founded and has gained slow and steady momentum since April 2017. One of the best moments we have had to date was our June watch party which was a meet and great with our WPSL club, the Nashville Rhythm FC who were in their inaugural season and made it to the playoffs this season!

One of the many things I love about having this supporters group in Nashville is that we don’t have one club we root for, but most of us have a tier of allegiance to the NWSL clubs. It creates a unique experience of playful banter and united desire to see this league grow, and not one of us would be mad if an expansion club one day made Nashville their home. Until that happens we will love our clubs from afar or fly to cities to watch as many matches as we can. While we do have loyalties spread across the NWSL, there are quite a few of us that share a love for the Thorns and the Rose City Riveters. I thought it would be fun to ask some of the members of our group to share what makes the Thorns special to them, as well as having the local NWSL supporters group:

Jessi shared that for her, “Thorns are one of [her] favorite teams because of the soccer culture in Portland. The support fans show for the Thorns is unmatched in women’s soccer, and it’s great to see. It shows the sports world that there is a market for women’s sports and if you really listen to your community you can make it grow. It’s an experience I hope to have in person next season.”

Maegan shared  “It’s super cool to have a group of other people who are as interested in the game as I am. Being a women’s sports fan in general can be a pretty lonely experience since the coverage is minimal and other fans are hard to find. While it’s improved over the years there is certainly a long way to go. Hopefully by creating this group we’ve created a space for all of us to get together and form new friendships while watching the game we love. Even if we don’t all agree on which team should win on any given Saturday. If we can pull more people into this world we can pull the beautiful game out of the shadows and into the light.”

Steve shared, “I think it’s great. It shows how much of a soccer city that Nashville is becoming and demonstrates the diversity of our fan-base of the sport as a rule. To have a bar that supports the NWSL games is great as well.  While my allegiances lie elsewhere in the NWSL, I do love how Portland embraces the Thorns as well as the Timbers. Truly a great soccer city. Everything from the stadium to the traditions and the unquestionable support.  Definitely on my list to catch a game or two in Portland in the future.”

Allison shared that, “As a former soccer player, long-time fan, I love the excitement that comes with having a team to rally around. It brings me right back to my playing days when we all get together to support our NWSL teams of choice. That same spirit of rallying around a team, and a common cause, is why I love the Thorns so much. It is very apparent every time you watch a Thorns match that everyone shares a passion for the team’s success, and it brings the community together.”

And speaking personally as a Thorns supporter, it comes from my experience of living in Portland before the NWSL was established because it’s a city of inclusiveness and passion which is evident of your section each game. The Riveters have set the bar for the best supporters group that encompasses so many things but mostly the passion for the environment and bringing everyone together, it’s what inspires me to help create a similar space here in Nashville.

While Nashville will always be Music City, we are emerging as a city that loves soccer. Right now, it seems that the love of soccer is growing just as fast as the city itself. In recent years we have hosted historical record breaking matches for the USWNT, USMNT and an ICC match. We are paving the way with a bid for a MLS team through the Nashville Soccer Club who is starting their first season in the USL in 2018. The Nashville soccer community appears to have local club supporter’s groups for most leagues, roughly 19 that I was able to count, and humbled to say we now have the first WOSO supporters group to add to the list. As Maegan said earlier, by being committed to growing the local interest of soccer & supporting the women of the NWSL, USWNT, & WPSL we pull this beautiful game out of the shadows and into the light where it belongs!

A big thank you to the Rose City Riveters for giving us the chance to share our story. I hope one day to cheer with you all at Providence Park!  – Cheers, Chrissy 

Tickets are now on sale for our second trip to Seattle, on August 26. We will be stepping up our game to have 3 buses to support the Thorns: a Cider bus, Beer bus, and for the first time, an OVERNIGHT bus!

Since the Timbers are playing the Sounders at Century Link on Sunday, August 27th, this overnight bus will stay in Seattle Saturday night, journey to the match on Sunday, then back home with the rest of the Timbers Army buses Sunday night.

Now we just need you, your voice, and your passion for the Thorns (and Timbers)!

The Riveters have purchased Lower Grandstand tickets, just like last time. This means no hiking up to the furthest corner of the stadium. Normally, these tickets are $25 each, but with the group discount, they are $15 each. Here are the details for our group ticket order opportunities:

• Thorns Match Ticket & Cider/Beer Bus combo – $50
• Thorns + Timbers Ticket & Overnight Bus combo – $70
• Thorns Match Ticket only – $15 – LOWER GRANDSTAND. You will need to pick up your ticket in Seattle when the bus gets there or the tickets will be left at Will Call.

You will select your bus at the time you purchase your tickets on the EventBrite site.

Links below to buy tickets/seats on the bus!

Match/Bus Combo:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seattle-take-over-bus-edition-august-26th-27th-2017-busticket-combo-tickets-36283418682

Match Only:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seattle-take-over-thorns-edition-august-26th-match-ticket-only-tickets-36281908164

 

All participants in our group agree to the 107ist Away Travel Code of Conduct.  Please review it here:

107ist away travel code of conduct 

Rules for the buses:

    NO GLASS ALLOWED ON THE BUS. While we are allowed to bring food and drink (adult beverages are way okay), you are not allowed to have glass containers. Please plan accordingly.

    NO #2 ON THE BUS! The bathroom on the bus has a very small storage tank! We will be stopping at a rest stop about halfway through the drive (or about 90 minutes in).

General trip info:

There are no age restrictions in the Riveters or on our buses. If you’re a party of 1, coming with friends, or want to make it a trip for the whole family, please join us.

Memorial Stadium allows away supporters to have flags & two-sticks so long as it does not obstruct others’ view. We are awaiting a final decision on an exception to their noisemaker policy from the Reign front office – until we hear back, please plan on leaving noisemakers at home.

There is a Bag Policy that will be enforced at Memorial Stadium this year.  All bag styles and sizes are allowed but are subject to inspection upon entry. Fans will be asked to return prohibited item(s) to their vehicles or throw them away before they are allowed entry into the stadium.

At the last match, we were allowed to bring in sealed plastic water bottles. This is still an option, along with empty plastic water bottles that can be filled inside.

We will continue our policy of a capo-only front row in Memorial Stadium.

Bring food and drink for the bus. Keep glass at home. Clean up after yourself. Keep an eye on each other. We all want to have fun.  Be sure to bring some ca$h to tip our great bus drivers!

Your Riveters buses and captains are:

Cider Bus (2 Towns) – Nash Drake

Beer Bus (Lompoc) – Kelsey Miglioretto

Overnight Bus (Cider Riot!) – Patch Perryman

ITINERARY:

6:00-6:45 a.m. – NEW LOCATION! Load at 200 N Winning Way (Jack Ramsay Way), near the MODA Center (Rose Quarter). This is easily accessible by public transportation and has access for the large amount of buses.  We will return to the same location.  There is street parking in the area but be aware that much of it is metered in the immediate vicinity. There are also pay lots available in the area. http://findit.oregoncc.org/Parking%20Maps/Area%20Parking%20Map/AreaParking.pdf

7:00 a.m. – Depart Portland

10:45-11:00 a.m. – Arrive at Memorial Stadium

11:30 p.m. – Enter stadium

1:00 p.m. – Kick off

3:30 p.m. – Reboard Cider & Beer buses only, head back to Portland

6:45-7:00 p.m. – 2 buses arrive back in Portland

Please keep in mind, this itinerary may change and is not set in stone.

* Overnight bus remains in Seattle & will leave around  2:30pm from TBD on Sunday to meet TA buses at CenturyLink: 

3:00-3:30 p.m. – Arrive at CenturyLink Field

4:30 p.m. – Enter stadium

6:30 p.m. – Kick Off

9:00 p.m. – Reboard buses, head back to Portland

12:00 a.m. – arrive back in Portland

Please keep in mind itineraries may change and are not set in stone.

If you have any questions or concerns, we will be happy to address them in the comments on this post. Come join us in Seattle!

Our Match Day Drive Saturday will be for Street Roots; they are in urgent need of more sunblock and socks for their vendors! While socks and sunblock are the most urgent and pressing needs, they would also appreciate donations of reusable travel mugs and disposable coffee cups with lids. Another big help for Street Roots: gift cards to places like IKEA, Cash & Carry, Fred Meyer, and Office Depot- this allows them to get what they need right when the need arises. Your donations are cheerfully and gratefully accepted at the fanladen. Fanladen will open on Saturday 7/22 from 4:30-6:30pm for your donations, and can also assist with Riveters merch, ticket exchange, and member services.

Want to help out Street Roots but no time to shop for drive items?  Pick up a Spread The Love scarf! Street Roots is the beneficiary of the funds raised by these scarves. They’re available both at the fanladen and online.

We are proud of our club and our city.

Pride started because people who were marginalized in our society had had enough and stood up against police brutality and discrimination. For a lot of people, the road to equality is paved by self-loathing, painful discovery, and fear of their community. Over the years, the LGBTQQ community has used Pride Month to celebrate diversity, our individuality, and our common ground: Love.

I’m proud of the Rose City Riveters, the Timbers Army, and the 107IST. We are organizations that say no to discrimination, to hate speech, racism, sexism, xenophobia or homophobia. And we put actions and money behind our words. Especially given the recent events, I feel it is even more important to create a community and culture that is inclusive and allows others to be themselves. This is true for children and adults. No one deserves to be fearful of their community.

This month, we are offering two different pieces of merchandise that are fundraising for two different organizations that have a direct impact on our community. Both of these organizations are focused on creating a safe space for young people.

The Riveters and Timbers Army have produced a new Pride scarf. The proceeds for this scarf will be going to The Living Room, an organization in Clackamas County that works with LGBTQQ youth. 

The Living Room is an organization with a stable and well-defined infrastructure that creates safe spaces through community education and collaborations. Using youth/adult partnership model, we offer accessible programming and resources that encourage the personal growth and leadership skills of GLBTQQ youth and their allies. – Mission Statement

We also have a new shirt, which is available as either a T-shirt or a sleeveless tee. This shirt is a fundraiser for the TransActive Gender Center. This group is located in Northeast Portland and offers training, advocacy, and support for gender diverse and transgender children and their families.

TransActive Gender Center provides a holistic range of services and expertise to empower transgender and gender diverse children, youth and their families in living healthy lives, free of discrimination. – Mission Statement

I am proud of the impact we are having. I hope you are too.

Both the scarf and shirts will be available for purchase at the Fanladen today and will be on our online store tomorrow. Please support us and these organizations having a positive impact on the youth in our community.

NWSL is implementing new guidelines for extreme heat, including procedures for match delays, effective immediately. You can read those guidelines here. 

Here are the Thorns matches that will now have a different start time:

Saturday, July 15
Portland Thorns FC vs. North Carolina Courage
Providence Park
12:30 Pacific

Saturday, August 5
Portland Thorns FC vs. Houston Dash
Providence Park
12:30 Pacific

Saturday, September 2
Portland Thorns FC vs. Washington Spirit
Providence Park
12:30 Pacific

Saturday, September 23
Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns FC
Orlando City Stadium
12:30 Pacific

Saturday, September 30
Portland Thorns FC vs. Chicago Red Stars
Providence Park
12:30 Pacific

Tickets are now on sale for our first trip to Seattle, on July 1. We will be stepping up our game to have buses to support the Thorns: a cider bus, beer bus, and for the first time, a juice bus! Now we just need you, your voice, and your passion for the Thorns!

The Riveters have purchased Lower Grandstand tickets, just like last time. This means no hiking up to the furthest corner of the stadium. Normally, these tickets are $25 each, but with the group discount, they are $16 each. Here are the details for our group ticket order opportunities:

Ticket only – $16 – LOWER GRANDSTAND. You will need to pick up your ticket in Seattle when the bus gets there or the tickets will be left at Will Call.

Cider/Beer Bus only – $40 – you either have your own ticket or will be acquiring your own ticket. The Riveters will be in the LOWER GRANDSTAND, and those tickets are normally $25 per ticket.

Juice Box Bus only – $31 – you either have your own ticket or will be acquiring your own ticket. The Riveters will be in the LOWER GRANDSTAND, and those tickets are normally $25 per ticket.

Ticket & Cider/Beer Bus combo – $55

Ticket & Juice Box Bus combo – $47

You will select your bus at the time you purchase your tickets on the Wild Apricot site – this is different from how we’ve done it in the past.

All participants in our group agree to the 107ist Away Travel Code of Conduct for Riveters Away Travel. Please review it here:

https://rosecityriveters.org/what-is-the-107ist/107ist-away-travel-code-of-conduct/
Rules for the buses:

NO GLASS ALLOWED ON THE BUS. While we are allowed to bring food and drink (adult beverages are way okay), you are not allowed to have glass containers. Please plan accordingly.

NO #2 ON THE BUS! The bathroom on the bus has a very small storage tank! We will be stopping at a rest stop about halfway through the drive (or about 90 minutes in).

General trip info:

There are no age restrictions in the Riveters or on our buses. If you’re a party of 1, coming with friends, or want to make it a trip for the whole family, please join us.

Memorial Stadium allows away supporters to have flags & two-sticks so long as it does not obstruct others’ view and is not on poles. Please leave all noisemakers at home; those will not be allowed into Memorial Stadium.

There is a Bag Policy that will be enforced at Memorial Stadium this year. All bag styles and sizes are allowed but are subject to inspection upon entry. Fans will be asked to return prohibited item(s) to their vehicles or throw them away before they are allowed entry into the stadium.

At the last match, we were allowed to bring in sealed plastic water bottles. This is still an option, along with empty plastic water bottles that can be filled inside.  You may also bring in outside food.

Bring food and drink for the bus. Keep glass at home. Clean up after yourself. Keep an eye on each other. We all want to have fun.

Schedule for Saturday, July 1:

(PLEASE NOTE TIMES HAVE CHANGED)

1:30 pm – Bus departs from the Oregon Convention Center (NE Holladay St between NE 2nd and MLK)

5:30pm – Bus arrives at Memorial Stadium under the Space Needle. The Riveters will enter the stadium 6:00pm at the South entrance.

7:30 pm – Kickoff of match.

1:30 am – Bus arrives back at Oregon Convention Center to drop road warriors off.

If you have any questions or concerns, we will be happy to address them in the comments on this post. Come join us in Seattle!

Our next Match Day Drive will be for “fuel”; foods that can keep houseless friends and neighbors sustained while on the street.

Please bring your shelf-stable donations to the Fanladen pre-match. Suggested items include:

• Granola bars
• Nutrition bars and drinks
• Easy Mac
• Cup O Noodles
• Instant coffee (and small creamers/sweeteners)
• Bottled water

Nutritious, shelf-stable foods in portable snack size will benefit those served by Street Roots.

Street Roots creates income opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty by producing a newspaper and other media that are catalysts for individual and social change. To learn more about what Street Roots does, click here.

Next Thorns FC home match will be Saturday, May 27, vs Boston Breakers.

On Saturday May 6, both before and immediately after the Thorns match, we will be accepting donations to help folks “beat the heat”!

When people think of houseless neighbors dying from exposure, the first thought is usually of freezing temperatures. In reality, the summer temperatures are far more deadly. Sun exposure and dehydration- either alone, or due to a reaction with medications/pre-existing conditions- are incredibly dangerous, and the source of countless lives lost each year.

Non-customers are often barred from entering retail establishments, and that makes access to water as needed difficult. Providing durable, shatter-proof water bottles, particularly the insulated variety, can go a long way to helping someone stay cool and hydrated. With limited public places to get out of direct sunlight, a quality sunblock is an absolute necessity as well. Sunglasses and visors can also be incredibly helpful. Cooling neck wraps and towels can also provide comfort in extreme temperatures.

Thank you in advance for your life-saving gifts to these friends and neighbors in our community- we know you’ll come through! And thank you again for helping out with last week’s drive, too.

Final note- As we head into these warmer months, please keep in mind that what may appear to be an intoxicated person could possibly be someone struggling with heat exhaustion. Don’t be afraid to call 911.

Our match day drive for Saturday is for feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and pads.

This drive is being organized by Mya Kimberly, who is a senior at Forest Grove High School, and is doing this as a part of her senior project. Feminine hygiene products are a necessity that is often overlooked, and having access to these products should be a right and not a privilege. Tampons are preferred, but any and all feminine hygiene products are welcome. Half of the products raised will be donated to Janus Youth, and the other half will be donated to Portland Homeless Family Solutions.

Bring your donations to the Fanladen before Saturday’s match- and thanks in advance!

Make a positive impact in the lives of kids and families on the west side of Portland, and represent Rose City Riveters at the same time!

The 107 Independent Supporters’ Trust, along with Embrace Oregon and other west side friends, are coming together to complete TWO major family visitation room remodels at the Beaverton DHS offices (foster care system) this June.

One family visitation room will have a Portland Thorns theme. Rose City Riveters will design the room, which will include a Thorns and Riveters-themed mural.

The room’s purpose is to provide a safe, comfortable space for children & teens who are in foster care to spend their average of one hour weekly with a birth parent. This is an intimate, critical point of connection for both the children whose lives have been turned upside down, and for the biological parents who are working hard to get their kids back. A room that is homey and warm speaks value and worth to both the children and their families.

The rooms are also utilized when children are removed from their home and are sitting in the child welfare office, awaiting placement. Volunteers will play with kids for an average of 5-7 hours while the caseworker tries to find a foster placement. Having an inviting space with activities is very helpful in this instance as well. These rooms will be a reminder to kids, teens, parents, guardians, and DHS staff that they are valued, and will also leave a lasting legacy of love from the Timbers, Thorns, TA, and Riveters.

The total budget for both rooms is $10,000, but with the generous in-kind support of local businesses and the 107ist (Timbers Army & RCR) directly, we are already halfway there! The money raised will all go to the direct expenses of furniture not donated, new flat screen TVs and game systems, paint and paint supplies, shelving and wall mounts, etc.

The makeover itself will take place over the first two weeks of June, so the sooner we can complete the fundraising, the better! To donate, click here.