Building Thick Institutions One Goal at a Time: The Devotion of University Soccer Spectators

Ailin Rosario, Madeline Gish, Savanna Rábago, & Xandria McCord

Soccer (or football) has brought people together in many ways since the 1800s. Whether it is having a moment of solitude as one watches a team warm-up, gathering in a stadium with friends to enjoy a game, or bonding with a family member over a match at home; the connections and memories made through soccer are powerful. Not only do people make connections but, they also find peace in the elements and rules of a soccer game.

The Individual

Despite the demanding schedule of a University student, these fiercely loyal soccer fans find a way to either attend or tune in to the game, even if it means they have to create spare time during Finals Week.

“I remember specifically one game…it was late December, [the game] was scheduled for the day of my Math 125 final…I had my jersey on while taking the test. I finished the final, ran back, and sat down to see the start of the game” – Former UW Student  

The same mentality can be found in fans across the Atlantic, such as George Orr, a proud Everton F.C. supporter, who has lost a girlfriend and a job and even hitchhiked to see his favorite team play (McGrae, 2010). These fans exude passion and, with their unwavering commitments, create an unbreakable bond.

Despite showing their support in different ways, each aspect feeds into the ideal of a thick institution, a community that “becomes part of a person’s identity and engages the whole person: head, hands, heart, and soul” (Brooks, 2017). If a person fails to acknowledge a devoted soccer fan’s team, they are missing a vital piece of their identity. 

The hardcore soccer fans have the collective ritual of tuning in at the same time to enjoy 90 minutes of play. In these moments, several collective rituals begin to shine as one hears the distant team chants from a pub downtown or sees a team’s colors proudly displayed, they bear witness to the power of a thick institution. 

Friends 

For me, the game of soccer has furthered my connections, both physically and emotionally. Surprisingly, my friends, who are die-hard basketball friends, were the ones to endlessly support me at soccer games and even joined a soccer team down at GCU.

“We have a huge show out for all of our sporting events, not just soccer … but especially our environment there, we are super rowdy and love to support and heckle the other team.” – Current GCU student

Storytelling has united students by continually celebrating memories, thereby deepening their ties to the thick institution. In fact, this community has strengthened due to its telling of origin stories. My friends have frequently reminded me that the Lopes Men’s soccer team, in their second year of eligibility, not only qualified for the postseason but also secured the winning title of the Western Athletic Conference.

Nowadays, new origin stories are in the making, as my friends recently claimed the title of champions for the 2024 Intercollegiate Soccer League. This story, despite being new, has already been told over and over by many, which only further solidifies the connections made in this thick institution. Soon after engaging with the captivating soccer community, my friends found themselves immersed in the culture, and as a result, are helping to build a legacy at GCU.

Family 

Despite not being a huge sports fan myself, I observed how soccer served as a catalyst for my family to connect every other weekend through cookouts and gatherings centered around the game. My uncle’s favorite team, Club América, was often the focus of these reunions, illustrating how shared interests, even in sports, can strengthen family bonds.

His love for soccer wasn’t just about the sport; it was a bridge to his childhood memories and a way to maintain a connection with his siblings into adulthood. To his surprise, this connection extended beyond familial ties as it created a sense of community among all who shared this interest, particularly those whose favorite team was Club América.

When I joined the University of Washington, I discovered many Club América fans within the Latinx community, and I related to them because of our shared interests. This idiosyncratic local culture I found created a unique, shared identity that left a lasting mark on its members. The University of Washington embodies the essence of a thick institution by fostering strong, enduring communal ties among its students, much like how Club América connects its fans through deep, meaningful experiences.

AI Disclaimer

We opted out of AI tools for research, writing, or editing. Our story ideas are our own.  

References

1. McGrae, B. (2010, May 25). Interviews With Fans: Interview with George Orr, 25th May 2010 at Liverpool Central Library [Interview]. The Everton Collection. http://www.evertoncollection.org.uk/article?id=ART94072
2. Brooks, D. (2017, April 18). How to Leave a Mark on People. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/18/opinion/how-to-leave-a-mark-on-people.html