The Henny Derby is a rivalry unlike any other in American soccer. What seems to simply be a traditional matchup between two teams is, in reality, a cultural battle that celebrates Black identity and challenges the norms of soccer fan bases in the U.S. At the heart of this rivalry are the Richmond Kickers and Forward Madison FC, and their fans, who share a unique bond, as they boast two of the country's premier Black-led supporters' movements, making the Henny Derby much more than just a soccer game. It's a revolutionary act, where the fans themselves are reshaping the game from the ground up.

The Origins of the Henny Derby

The Henny Derby began with an interaction between Elliot Barr of River City 93, the Richmond Kickers' Black-led supporters group, and Kyle Carr of the Featherstone Flamingos, Forward Madison's equivalent. Barr reached out to Carr to challenge him to a friendly bet on the upcoming game between their teams, one bottle of Hennessy on the outcome of their clubs' match. What started as a lighthearted wager quickly grew into a fierce and culturally significant rivalry. This rivalry, now known as the Henny Derby, has become a celebration of Black culture and a platform for change in American soccer.

The Henny Derby has surpassed its original meaning as a competitive rivalry and has become a symbol of cultural empowerment. These two supporters' groups are not only passionate about their teams but also about reshaping soccer culture in the U.S. Both River City 93 and the Featherstone Flamingos are breaking down walls, proving that Black fans and players have always been a part of the sport, and deserve to be seen and heard.

A Thrilling Rivalry on the Field

When it comes to the rivalry on the pitch, the Henny Derby has delivered some truly thrilling games. Over the course of 16 matchups, Forward Madison has edged out Richmond with eight wins, while the Kickers have secured six victories. There have been two draws, and all but one match was decided by just a single goal, which serves as proof of how closely matched these two teams are. The lone exception came on Sept. 15, 2023, in Madison's most recent victory against Richmond in which the 'Mingos won 2-0 at home.

Both teams have kicked this new season off, with Richmond having two more matches played than Madison. The Richmond Kickers currently sit in second place in the table with a 2-1-0 record, showing some promise early on. Meanwhile, Forward Madison is in 11th place after a loss in their opening match. This derby comes at a time when both teams are looking to gain momentum to launch them into the rest of the season with confidence.

The Impact Beyond the Pitch

Another aspect that makes the Henny Derby special is its focus on the Richmond and Madison communities. Both River City 93 and the Featherstone Flamingos have worked to use their clubs and the game of soccer itself as a platform for change, with initiatives that help bring the game to underrepresented communities. Forward Madison's work with local charities, such as donating a portion of proceeds from Henny Derby merchandise to the YWCA of Madison, highlights their commitment to social impact. Similarly, River City 93 have worked hard to open the sport up to diverse communities in Richmond, ensuring that the love for soccer isn’t limited to certain demographics.

The Henny Derby represents a shift in how soccer is consumed and celebrated in the U.S. It's a place where Black fans can claim their space in the soccer world, where their voices and cultures are celebrated, and where the game's future is actively being shaped by those who have long been excluded.

Looking Ahead

As the Henny Derby continues to unfold this season, with the Richmond Kickers and Forward Madison FC facing off once again this Saturday, the rivalry will undoubtedly evolve even further. It's a contest not only for points but for a trophy – a designed Hennessy Bottle that is half blue and half red and white to represent both of the participating teams. The Henny Derby is much more than a contest of teams, it is a cultural revolution, one where the voices of Black fans are leading the way to a more inclusive, vibrant soccer culture in the U.S. As the season progresses, it's clear this rivalry will continue to be one to watch, not just for the goals, but for the change it represents.