Who are the Vancouver Southsiders?
The Vancouver Southsiders are the oldest organized supporters group in Canada. We are committed to being loud and proud supporters of Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Its members, The Southsiders, stand, sing, and above all else support the players on the field.
We encompass a large chunk of the southeast corner (sections 249–254) of BC Place stadium. The heart of the Southside and the loudest part of the stadium is our general admission section in 252–253.
Despite most of our members being concentrated near the GA section, many of our members choose to sit elsewhere. We are open to fans of any age, asking only that if you choose to be a Vancouver Southsider, you do your best to support the Whitecaps on the field.
The Vancouver Southsiders hold firm in their belief that when it comes to football, their city and their nation are out of step with the rest of the world.
We refuse to conform to Vancouver’s inherently quiet and reserved nature. We are fierce in their support for their football club, and they shall fearlessly lead newcomers by example.
We will welcome all who wish to join us, extending the same friendship and camaraderie that has been the foundation of this organization from its humble beginnings.
The Southsiders are not to be confused with Ultras or Hooligans, as they are vehemently against violence and racism.
OUR HISTORY
In 1999, a small group of strangers were drawn together by their mutual passion for the Vancouver 86ers football club (later renamed back to Vancouver Whitecaps FC).
They believed that the most successful professional sports team in Vancouver history deserved a vocal, visible, and energetic supporters group akin to those found around the world.
In time, this supporters group came to be known as the Vancouver Southsiders, taking their name from their location behind the south goal at Swangard Stadium.
In 2008, stadium security at Swangard began cracking down on activities deemed “undesirable,” creating friction between the club and its supporters.
Two senior members stepped forward to represent the group, eventually reaching agreements that preserved Southside values while improving the matchday experience.
As the club prepared for entry into MLS, the Southsiders recognized the need to organize in order to welcome a new wave of supporters.
Vision for the Ideal Southside Experience
- Organized songs and chants
- A massive group that fills an entire end
- All fans standing and actively participating
- Large-scale organized tifo
- Organized leadership
- Away trips
- Pre-match gatherings
- Non-match social events
- To be the best supporters in MLS
- Funding for tifo and other projects
