The Red Patch Boys is an officially-recognized supporters group for Major League Soccer's Toronto FC. The group was founded in late 2006 by football (soccer) fans in the Toronto area after the announcement of Toronto FC's creation as Canada's first MLS franchise. An official identity, dedicated website and message board, and formal organization of the group quickly emerged, and the group has grown to become the largest supporters group for Toronto FC.

At Toronto FC home matches, the group is primarily based in sections 111 and 112 of BMO Field which has been named the "The Bunker", though RPB members can be found scattered all throughout the stadium. The mandate of the Red Patch Boys (RPBs) is to support and promote Toronto FC and the sport of soccer throughout Canada, and to help contribute to the atmosphere at all TFC home games. Along with the other supporter groups in Toronto, they have gained widespread notoriety for showering opposing players with streamers when there is a corner kick in front of them. In addition to this, several members also take part in away games at other MLS venues; notably Columbus, Chicago, and Foxborough. The group's visual identity is based on a stylised Canadian Maple Leaf. Michael Theodore Williams named this group "Red Patch Boys", deriving from "Red Patch Devils", a nickname for the 1st Canadian Infantry Division mobilized at the outbreak of World War II.

Fans celebrate at a Toronto FC match

The group runs several soccer-related events and programs throughout the year and promotes away-game viewing parties, arranges road trips to Toronto FC away matches, and takes part in various flag-making and chant-creating sessions with other Toronto FC Supporters. They are also involved in several charitable events, and sponsor an amateur youth soccer team. The group's message board is noted as a very important communication tool for all Toronto FC fans.

The group maintains national and international links as well, and boasts several members from across Canada and around the world.

[edit] RPB Supporters Choice Award

At the end of each MLS regular season, the Red Patch Boys conduct an online poll for the annual Supporters Choice Award. The award is presented to a single player on the Toronto FC senior roster in recognition of their contribution to the success of the club and to the community over the course of the season.

[edit] External links

• Red Patch Boys Website
• Red Patch Boys Forums
• Official Toronto FC Website

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