The Monday Mommy: Demystifying the MLS Scarf Culture.
“Young kids, awkward teenagers and soccer moms were wrapping logo laden scarves, mostly Rapids colors around them and heading into the game. Was this the giveaway item last week and I missed a great score? I mean, it wasn’t cold out, it was actually really nice and these scarves were a bit much for the 67 degree bluebird day.”
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The combination of phenomenal weather in Denver on Saturday afternoon, a five year-old son and free tickets led to my first Colorado Rapids game of the season. In fact, it was actually the first MLS game that I have been to since the Rapids moved to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
I am not a soccer mom and am extremely okay with it.
I did however, grow up on a soccer field. Competitive leagues and traveling teams were a big part of my childhood and teenage years. My parents threw me on the co-ed teams when I was around four and was one of two girls on the team throughout Optimist little league. After high school, my competitive playing ended and I drifted away from the sport.
Watching others play the game of soccer was never something that had any intrigue to me. It was always a game that I enjoyed participating in as a player, rather than a spectator. I have had friends over the years try to sell me on it as a fan but it just didn’t interest me in that way. The passion is just not there.
I get emotionally involved and invested when I attend an NFL, NHL or an MLB game in a way that does not occur when viewing a soccer game either in person or on television.
So I found myself heading down I-70 en route to this Rapids game just happy to spend some time outside on a gorgeous spring day. While parking in the lot- which is free by the way, very impressive- I noticed the sheer volume of scarves donning the necks of folks around me. At first I thought it was just the 20-something hipsters but quickly realized it was everybody.
Young kids, awkward teenagers and soccer moms were wrapping logo laden scarves, mostly Rapids colors around them and heading into the game. Was this the giveaway item last week and I missed a great score? I mean, it wasn’t cold out, it was actually really nice and these scarves were a bit much for the 67 degree bluebird day.
As we entered the stadium it was apparent that this whole scarf thing was a “thing “and I felt like I was in some sort of alternate universe. I observed the chants, songs, drums and scarf culture like I was in some sort of African village studying its indigenous people.
I have been to all types of sporting events in my day from traditional American sports to Bullfights in Spain, but this was really odd and intriguing to me. There were many aspects of this whole MLS subculture that were worth looking into, however for this piece I have chosen to focus solely on the scarf.
These scarves appear to be a badge of honor among soccer fans around the world. The tradition of these team scarves began over a century ago in Britain in the early 1900’s. They were designed to keep fans warm in the winter without sacrificing their team spirit. The original versions were striped, alternating the team’s colors which is still the most popular style worn in the UK and Australia.
With the scarves’ evolution came the addition of the club crest and team name, followed by popular player’s photos and team slogans. In the modern era of soccer, scarves have become the must-have accessory around the globe whether attending a game in Africa, Europe or the United States.
These clothing staples are not only fashion statements, but are used to show solidarity in their team as well. Fans- who I have learned are referred to as supporters- raise their scarves in the air during both pre and post game, forming a scarf wall in a sea of their club’s colors, all while singing the team’s anthem.
When it comes to sports and their traditions and subcultures, what goes on at soccer games is a bit odd and somewhat intriguing to me. While the game itself is pretty boring to watch, in my own humble opinion of course, the hoopla does help to make it tolerable.
While I will not be rushing out to buy a soccer scarf any time soon, watching MLS supporters get in to the sport they love is pretty cool and provides a good reminder as to why I’m a fan and have the passion for the sports that I do love.
