Penn soccer searching for its own 'Sons of Ben'

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While sitting in math class taking a study break today, I noticed this post from the Penn Soccer Facebook page. I shot a message to the mysterious Penn Soccer email address (aka men's coach Rudy Fuller) and I wanted to share the response.

Essentially, Penn Soccer wants to create a massive student section, similar to "The Crew" at Maryland and the Philadelphia Union's Sons of Ben. Fuller cited the impressive home records of both teams, partially as a result of the loyal fan support.

Four Ivy schools ranked in the top 45 of DI soccer programs in 2010 attendance. Penn, however, didn't make the cut (Home attendance of the four Ivies — Dartmouth, Harvard, Brown & Princeton — ranged from 805 to 1,069). Given the size of Penn's student body, Penn Soccer hopes to average 2,000 attendees per game at Rhodes Field. Through seven home matches this season, the men's team averages 419 per game. Penn Soccer wants a relationship with its fan section. If you're interested, email Pennsoccer@gmail.com. Get involved! They are hoping to hold an interest meeting on Wednesday. In the meantime, read what Fuller had to say after the jump.

We are looking to collaborate with a group of students and create a Penn Soccer supporters group that would rival any group nationwide.  We are hoping to meet with a few individuals who are interested in taking lead role in forming such a group.  We want to exchange ideas on how best to organize and attract new members, what type of activities would help strengthen the bond between the group and our team, and how best to grow attendance at our home games.  We want to make Rhodes Field the home, not only of Penn Soccer, but also our loyal supporters.

We have plenty of ideas to show our appreciation, develop the relationship, and build the community of the supporters' group, but we want those involved to have a voice and input on what would be important to them.  What kind of swag (t-shirts, scarves, flags, etc) would they want?  What pre-game activities/events should be organized? What is the best way to build a relationship between the team and the group? Should we have a special seating area dedicated to the group at games? What should the group be named?  We have the benefit of starting the group from scratch so the possibilities are endless.