Sons of Ben (MLS supporters association): Difference between revisions
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The '''Sons of Ben''' [abbreviated as '''SoB'''] is an independent fan club for the long-anticipated [[Philadelphia Major League Soccer team]]. The Sons of Ben group was created in January 2007 by Philadelphia soccer fans, using such existing MLS fan clubs as the [[Screaming Eagles]], [[La Barra Brava]], [[Texian Army]], and [[Section 8 Chicago]] as models. The name of the club alludes to [[Benjamin Franklin]], who was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States. |
The '''Sons of Ben''' [abbreviated as '''SoB'''] is an independent fan club for the long-anticipated [[Philadelphia Major League Soccer team]]. The Sons of Ben group was created in January 2007 by Philadelphia soccer fans, using such existing MLS fan clubs as the [[Screaming Eagles]], [[La Barra Brava]], [[Texian Army]], and [[Section 8 Chicago]] as models. The name of the club alludes to [[Benjamin Franklin]], who was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States. |
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== History of the Sons of Ben == |
== History of the Sons of Ben == |
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Revision as of 09:35, 1 February 2008
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
The Sons of Ben [abbreviated as SoB] is an independent fan club for the long-anticipated Philadelphia Major League Soccer team. The Sons of Ben group was created in January 2007 by Philadelphia soccer fans, using such existing MLS fan clubs as the Screaming Eagles, La Barra Brava, Texian Army, and Section 8 Chicago as models. The name of the club alludes to Benjamin Franklin, who was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States.
History of the Sons of Ben
Bryan James, Andrew Dillon, and Dave Flagler officially founded the Sons of Ben supporters club on January 17, 2007 [to coincide with Benjamin Franklin's birthday]. Philadelphia Pro Soccer Foundation Vice-President, Ethan Gomberg, suggested the name. SoB is the first Philly MLS supporters club. The club utilizes the colors of blue and gold, from Philadelphia's city flag, but may assume the colors of the team when it comes into existence.
The Sons of Ben began during a flurry of rumors regarding Major League Soccer's negotiations with investors regarding a team located in the Philadelphia region. Currently, an investor group is interested in building a stadium along the banks of the Delaware River near Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester, Pennsylvania. Although Seattle has been awarded the 15th MLS franchise, many believe a 16th team would be in order to maintain an even number of teams after San Jose's re-entry into the league beginning in the 2008 season.
Other cities vying for teams include Atlanta, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Portland, Rochester, and St. Louis.
Logo Design
- LOZENGE - Diamond shape, reminiscent of Ben Franklin's famous kite.
- SKULL & CROSSBONES - An ominous image that reminds us of our mortality and an homage to pirates. The skull resembles the likeness of Ben Franklin.
- SCYTHE - Alluding to the region's agricultural heritage.
- OAR - Alluding to the region's nautical heritage.
- BANNERS - A reward for valiant service.
- BIFOCALS - Ben Franklin invented them, and are therefore synonymous with him.
- KEY - Guardianship, dominion, and a symbol of Ben Franklin.
- LIGHTNING BOLTS - Refers to Franklin's experiments with electricity.
- CRACK in SKULL - Inspired by one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States, the Liberty Bell.
- SOCCER BALL - The object used in the sport we are passionate about.
Motto
Ad Finem Fidelis - "Faithful to the End"
Emblazoned across the bottom banner of the "Jolly Franklin", this Latin phrase describes the true spirit of Philadelphia and soccer fans while reminding Sons of Ben of their mission, supporting the Philadelphia team to the final whistle and beyond, both on and off the pitch.
Philanthropy
December 2007 marks the Sons of Ben's first large scale philanthropic effort, The Sons of Ben Help Kick Hunger. Help Kick Hunger is a canned food and donation aimed to benefit The Bernardine Center in Chester which opened as an Emergency Food Cupboard. The Center designed the model Super Cupboard program in 1987. This program seeks to break the cycle of poverty and dependence for low-income mothers by providing weekly sessions that include nutrition education and life skills workshops. The Super Cupboard model has been copied extensively throughout Pennsylvania.
