ISL 2017: Fan clubs - One slogan, a million voices

As we count hours for the ISL 2017-18 season to be kicked off, franchisees are leaving no stone unturned to lure fans to the stadium with attractive fan memberships. Some of the ISL clubs already boast of established fan clubs who even lend a helping hand in the day-to-day management of the club throughout the year. Goal gives you an introduction to these fan clubs and their activities.

1) ATK

The ATK Fans Fraternity is the official fan club of the Kolkata side who have been two-time ISL champions. The recently refurbished Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) will once again reverberate with the chants of "ATK ATK" when the red and white outfit will play their first home game on November 26, against FC Pune City. The #AmarBukeyATK (In my heart remains ATK) is already a social media rage across Bengal and one can become a fan by registering here. The fan welcome kit contains a jersey and complimentary tickets to all home games. 

2) Bengaluru FC 

The West Block Blues is the official fan club of Bengaluru FC and is also one of the most vocal fan clubs among the ten teams. They not only support their city pride but also make it a point to travel to every Indian national football team game. They were runners-up in the 'Best Fan Club' award category at the Indian Sports Honours. They even have an anthem titled “When the Blues go marching in”. Follow their Facebook page to know how to be a member.

3) Chennaiyin FC

"Super Machans" is the dedicated fan club of Chennaiyin FC. They are integrally linked with helping the management of the club as they lend a hand in the youth level programmes as well. They also have a string of merchandises on offer for their members. 

4) Delhi Dynamos FC

The capital-based team's fan club is called the Dynamos Ultras. They made their presence felt with their fan chant at the kit launch of their team along with brand ambassador Jacqueline Fernandez. Their 'Clean the Stands' initiative was a huge hit previous year. The Ultras have often reiterated that they want to be recognised not as a regular fan club but one that is socially responsible. 

5) FC Goa

The Gaur army is fan club of the Goa-based outfit. The platinum membership of the fan club offers exclusive invites to awards night at the end of the season along with a seat at the member enclosure area at every home match. The average stadium attendance was 18,066 in the previous edition in Fatorda with the Gaur Army thronging in to support their team, which accounts for 93% of total capacity. 

6) FC Pune City

The FC Pune City fan club is known as the Orange Army with the fans dressing up in orange, matching the primary colour of the home kit. The team management has come up with exciting membership offers for Punekars where they are also entitled to match tickets for all home fixtures. #OrangeFirst and #BleedOrange have attracted eyeballs in social media along with the presence of Arjun Kapoor as their brand ambassador. 

7) Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC is one of the two new entrants in this year's ISL and they are striking all the right chords with the people of Jharkhand. Instead of holding their kit launch event in a posh hotel where access is limited, they preferred to do a street event, which garnered thousands of viewers. The ticket prices have also been kept low at only ₹50, so that people flock to the stadium. The #JamKeKhelo brigade is surely going to give a tough fight to Manjappada and West Block Blues.

8) Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters' fan club Manjappada is one of the most vibrant and popular fan clubs in the country. They were recently awarded the 'Best Fan Club Of The Year' award at the Indian Sports Honours award ceremony. They paint the stadium yellow and have an overbearing presence at every home game. Their average attendance was a staggering 49,111 in the previous season.

9) Mumbai City FC

The Mumbai City FC Supporters Club is the official fan club of the Ranbir Kapoor-owned team. Although the fan club does not have that many members, they are loud and passionate. They have their individual award ceremony as well - Lucian Goian was named as MCFC Supporters Club 'Player of the Season' last year. 

10) North East United FC

'North East United Fans' is the official fan club for the Men in White. Founded by Rajnish Kashyap, who lives around 100 km away from Guwahati, they have been supporting their side since the inaugural edition. Their passion for the game is right up there with the best.