Hello Southsiders and fellow supporters,

The 2020 Season is here. It’s really here. It’s been a long off-season. Things have changed.

I’m personally super excited about how things are shaping up for the season, both with the club and with our group.

I usually send out a list of promises and a vision for the next season but, this year, I will just tell you what we got for you.

Despite the ups and downs we have had  in the past, we always organize ourselves around the things that brought us together in the first place. We try to do more, to be part of our community, to have initiatives beyond our core responsibilities, but we are always true to our roots – check our membership manifesto.https://vancouversouthsiders.ca/page/manifesto

Representing and guiding our membership this year is our elected executive board with a couple of newcomers: Sonia taking over the Club Treasurer position and Dani covering our communications. Coming back are Cameron dealing with our partnerships, events and away ticketing, Dylan in a new role as membership director, Dim handling our creative needs, Tom organizing stadium operations,  with myself covering the secretary duties and home ticketing. Last but not least, Greg, your ombudsperson is keeping an eye on us. 

Feel free to reach out to any of us if you have any questions or concerns regarding anything: https://vancouversouthsiders.ca/page/contactus

We’ve been working hard bringing everybody up to speed in their roles and making sure all anyone has to worry about is showing up and being a part of who we are and what we do as supporters.

This season marks a new era for Whitecaps supporters: the introduction of a new General Admission section. We have fought for this for quite a while and we are looking forward to reaping the benefits. This will provide a space to replicate the strong united support during Cascadia derby matches in Seattle and Portland. This new critical mass will help spread the same songs across all the supporter’s sections on both sides of the tunnel. It is crucial: You do not have to be in GA to be a member or to participate! The plan is to set up the capo and drum a few rows up around the railing, to allow room supporters keen on supporting from the front rows. Similar to last year, but a section closer to the tunnel. I can’t wait!
Check out our guide to GA https://vancouversouthsiders.ca/page/general-admission

I already have my eyes on the next milestones: grow GA to more sections and start the conversations on safe standing.

Regarding some non-stadium activities:

We are back on the Granville Strip – our new home pub is Dublin Calling with overflow possibilities above and below. It will be a great place to meet up both pre-match supporters warm-up and post-match celebratory drinks and discussions. The new spot provides us a great possibility to bring some life into our march. We plan to leave the corner of Smithe and Granville 15 minutes prior to the opening of the gates at BC Place.

In summary, I am going with a cliché: Being a supporter is the only permanent job in soccer. Guess what? We are “hiring!” Become a Southsider, join us, chant with us, wave flags, make a difference. Home and away, rain or shine.

See you on game days. In the pub, on the march, in the stands, together.

Loyal to the Caps, we’ll be.

Cheers,
Peter

PS. First Kick March at 5:45pm! First kick info https://vancouversouthsiders.ca/2020/02/first-kick-is-less-than-a-week-away/