Let’s talk about matchday.

There aren't many things better than a matchday at home. You have the drums that match your heartbeat. The smoke and flags flying around you. Thousands of people joining you in support of the team you love. You can’t beat it.

Fan support comes in many forms. Whether you’re at the stadium or thousands of miles away in Florida or Switzerland, that bond of your shared passion for your club is ever-present. Walking into Breese Stevens Field in a sea of pink and blue has been a staple summer activity in Madison, Wisc. since our inaugural season in 2019. Looking back, I don’t think I could have ever predicted just how involved I would be in supporting this club. To think I would help start our supporters’ group that aims to celebrate and promote Black culture—the Featherstone Flamingos—is always a surprise and a blessing to me.

Matchdays truly are a special experience where—for 90 minutes—we can forget the outside world. All you’re thinking about is ‘What can I do to help my team win?’ Your arms might get sore, you might lose your voice or end up smelling like smoke after a goal is scored, but what makes it special is that I’m not doing it for myself, I’m doing it for a community.

I’ve been a fan of the beautiful game for a long time. One thing that’s always weighed on my mind was that when I look around at my fellow supporters of the world’s game, there aren’t many people who look like me. Yes, interacting with other fans, many of whom I call my friends, is nice. But they can’t understand the struggle and feeling of being an exception.

Let’s talk about representation.

That’s why Featherstone Flamingos exists. To give space for Black supporters to attend Forward Madison games and talk to people like them. People who get it. Black supporters exist, they just need the space to feel included and understood. They need to see people like them in the stands, on the pitch, on the coaching staff and in the front office. Representation truly makes a difference to fans like me. And while positive strides have been made, there needs to be more.

That’s what I strive to do every matchday at Breese Stevens: to be that representation for so many.

For the kid who could love the club as much as I do.

For the Black supporters who want to be involved with the supporters’ groups.

For the individual who wants to learn more about the sport.

For the person looking to get into sports media, start a podcast or write.

For my kids, who I hope I can pass these excellent experiences and memories onto.

And for a younger me, the kid who didn’t think he belonged anywhere and would never be accepted.

That’s why Featherstone exists, and why we’ll continue pushing to make our club and our game a place where everyone feels welcome.

So, let’s keep talking.

Let’s talk about matchday. Let’s talk about representation. Let’s talk about being supportive allies. Let’s talk about what’s next.