The New Supporter Shield
The process of creating a new Supporters’ Shield has been a long and rewarding endeavor. Over the past few years, through the Independent Supporters Council of the United States and Canada (ISC), we have brought supporters group leadership from across the league together to achieve a common goal. The Shield has been a shining example of the positive collaboration that can be achieved even between the largest of rivals. We believe that this award holds a unique place in the history of this league and the game in this country.
The Supporters Shield is awarded to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular season record. The original trophy was created in 1999 by supporters of the league. Up until that point MLS had simply celebrated the winner of MLS Cup. But the supporters, who were the ones who followed their club all season, not just through the playoffs, wanted a trophy to celebrate the achievements of the regular season winner. So in 1999 supporters created a modest trophy that has been awarded every season since. Now this season the ISC, which the Southsiders are proud members of, have fundraised and created a trophy that is absolutely stunning.
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| New Shield | 1999 Shield |
| A full history of the shield written by Sporting KC supporter Sam Pierron can be found HERE. | |
The Tour
Part of the fun of the new shield is that this season it will navigate the entire league making a stop in every MLS city before it is awarded to the regular season champions. The trophy itself is actually being transported from one supporters group to the next by travelling fans. With each group handing it off to the next. Our stop will be in July.
The Supporters Shield will be in Vancouver on July 14,
when the Vancouver Whitecaps take on the Chicago Fire
The new Supporters Shield will be on display on that day. Supporters from Vancouver will be able to see it, touch it and get their photograph taken with it with the purchase of a scarf.
Additional dates and events might be added. Details to be confirmed.
The Scarf
As a fundraiser the ISC and it’s groups have produced a beautiful scarf. Not only will you look sharp wearing it, but with it’s purchase you will be directly paying for the new shield. So when you wear it and display the words “I Support The Shield”, everyone will know that you helped directly fund the new Supporters Shield.
Scarfs will be available for purchase for only $20 both online and at our events in July.
More details will be released soon regarding details and how to reserve.
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