A raucous supporters group is key to the fan base of any soccer team. They create havoc in the stands and are the backbone for any cheering section.
They have organized chants, called songs, that they sing throughout the match to show support and sometimes intimidate opposing players.
For the first time in the team’s history, the Harrisburg City Islanders have a supporters group to call their own.
The Capital City Crew are a group of local soccer fans who wanted to bring this excitement they’ve seen at other soccer games to City Island.
“We wanted to change the perception of the casual fan,” said Jamie Garman, one of the Crew’s founding members. “We were soccer fans and wanted to support the local club.”
The Crew has brought a sense of community and passion that was lacking at City Islanders matches in the past. They stand behind the goal with flags, drums and sometimes even a bugle to show their support.
“Seeing the players recognize us and embrace us is really exciting and what it’s all about,” said Tim Ireland, another founding member of the Capital City Crew.
Game Day Rituals
Any good supporters group has its own share of pregame rituals. Most include a few drinks, pre-match chants, and a march together to the stadium.
The Capital City Crew’s pre-match celebrations encompass all of these traditional aspects with their own Harrisburg twist.
Before heading to the match, the Crew usually meets up at a local bar for a few pints to get their vocal chords loose for the match.
Following a few beers, the crew gathers at the Walnut Street Bridge to start their march to the stadium. You can hear the Crew’s drums and see their blue smoke from the stadium as they cross the bridge.
Once they get in, they take their seats in Section 101 just feet away from the goal and start to chant.
Creating an atmosphere
The sounds and sights that the Capital City Crew creates during the match are unlike anything ever at a City Islanders match in previous years.
You can hear their drums and songs echoing throughout the game until the final whistle. The songs are not your normal, “Here we go offense,” or “De-fense!” chants. No, they are a lot more creative and unique to the club.
Here’s one example to the tune of, “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” – Glory, glory City Island! Glory, glory City Island! Glory, glory City Island! Glory, glory City Island! Harrisburg goes marching ON ON ON!”
If you’re interested in joining the crew during the game, don’t hesitate. These guys know how to have fun at the matches, both home and away.
“We’re all-inclusive,” said Garman. “One game we had a boy who knew how to play the bugle. We brought him in, and he played a few songs during the match.”
When the Islanders go on the road, so does the Capital City Crew. They have been to matches in Bethlehem, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia to support the club.
“One of the best parts about this is going to the away games,” said Ireland. “We have gotten compliments from opposing supporters groups on our support and that is awesome.”
Joining the Capital City Crew
While anyone can join the crew and chant along during any match, you can also become an official member at any time with a special set of perks.
Membership is $30 and includes:
- Official 2017 CCC Scarf
- 2017 membership card (which also doubles as a sweet bottle opener)
- Voting privileges on official Crew business
- Discounted general admission season tickets ($50)
- Other local discounts
The Capital City Crew is always looking for new members and will be around for seasons to come with the Harrisburg City Islanders.
Join the Crew in section 101 during the Harrisburg City Islanders home match on Tuesday, Aug. 8 against the Rochester Rhinos!
