This article contains information on Toronto FCs supporters groups. The club capped their 2007 season tickets sales at 14,000 on March 15, 2007, setting a league record.^[1] For the 2008 and 2009 season, Toronto FC announced that they have sold 16,000 season tickets.^{[citation needed]}

Fans celebrate at a Toronto FC match

Toronto FC currently has many supporters groups throughout the stadium. Four groups are recognized by the club on their official website; the North End Elite, the Red Patch Boys, the Tribal Rhythm Nation, and U-Sector.^[2]

[edit] Supporters' groups

[edit] North End Elite

The North End Elite (NEE) was created with the intent of bringing the south end of BMO Field atmosphere to the north end of the stadium. They are a passionate group who believe that regardless of what the score line indicates, their job is to cheer and support the team from the first minute to the last. Most of their members are based in section 127, but members can also be found at sections 126 & 226 and throughout the north end of the stadium.

[edit] Red Patch Boys

The Red Patch Boys are a fan-based organization based in sections 111 and 112 of BMO Field which they have termed the "The Bunker." The mandate of the Red Patch Boys (RPBs) is to support and promote Toronto FC throughout Canada and to help contribute to the atmosphere at all TFC home games, in addition to away games including Columbus, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas. The group's logo is based on the Canadian Maple Leaf and its name is derived from "Red Patch Devils", a nickname for the 1st Canadian Infantry Division mobilized at the outbreak of World War II.^[3] The name was modified because of fears that "Red Devils" was too closely associated with English club Manchester United to be suitable for a multi-cultural fan group.

[edit] Tribal Rhythm Nation

The Tribal Rhythm Nation was created to bring a multi-cultural presence to Toronto FC games. The TRN represent African, Caribbean and Latin communities in the GTA. Their stated goal is to help create an energetic atmosphere at Toronto FC games through the use of drums and chanting.

[edit] U-Sector

The U-Sector sits in section 113 of BMO Field. The group was created in 2000 as a supporters group for the Toronto Lynx. Originally known as the Toronto Ultras, the U-Sector got its name because the group was always in Section 'U' at the old Varsity Stadium during Lynx matches. The group also provides travelling support for the team to nearby MLS cities such as Boston, Chicago, New York and Columbus.^[4] It also made its presence felt at a friendly match between the U20 teams of Canada and the United States at the Rogers Centre on July 7, 2006.^[5]

[edit] Ultras 114

The Ultras in section 114 grew into an organized unit ahead of the 2008 season, consolidating support behind the south goal with flags, chants and fabric "tifo" displays while working alongside other groups in the supporters section. Simultaneously, the group developed an Internet presence in order to attract new members and coordinate support. Known for their vocal displays and multitude of banners, the group have become synonymous with hardcore support in the south end.

[edit] The Firm 116

The Firm 116 was formed in the 2007-2008 off-season. They are located in Section 116 at BMO Field in the south end just west of goal. They maintain a website, a message board and a blog. The group's tagline is "Marching on with T.F.C.".

[edit] GoTFC

GoTFC is a volunteer coordinated website of Toronto FC fans, not affiliated with any supporters group. On February 11, 2007, GoTFC donated a trophy to the winners of the inaugural Toronto FC Supporters' Cup tournament.^[6] Originally held indoors at a futsal centre in Don Mills, the tournament was expanded upon and moved to BMO Field in the fall of 2007. It has become an annual event.

[edit] Footnotes