The Infamous Steel Army
What is a supporter?
That’s a question that non-football fans ask me from time to time and it’s difficult to verbalize. I guess the simplest definition that I can give is this: A football supporter is any individual who displays allegiance to a football club. The tricky part is trying to put into words the passion that forges an allegiance and the bond that exists between the individual and the club. It’s more than being a fan or rooting for a favorite player. It’s something deep down that twists and squeezes your insides for 90 minutes during a match. It’s the elation and agony that accompanies a team over the course of a season. It’s the willingness to stand behind a franchise, year after year, regardless of success.
WHO ARE YA ?? STEEL ARMY !!!
We are, unabashedly, a rabid supporters group striving to create a home-field advantage for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Football Club. This is accomplished via stadium noise (songs, chants, heckling the opposing team) and visual distractions (banners, streamers and waving flags). We provide the 'Hounds with the psychological advantage of a loyal, fanatical and dedicated body of fans, willing to cheer the team as they battle for glory on the pitch. We strive to promote the Riverhounds in the community and to offer fans a way to be more directly involved with the team by providing an outlet for their passion and enthusiasm.
Steel Army on the Road
The Steel Army plans numerous road trips throughout the course of the Riverhounds' season. Trips to our hated rivals in Harrisburg are common. While on the road, we bravely invade the enemy's grounds to support our club. The goal is to spoil any home-field advantage that the home team possesses. We plan tailgates, car pools and post-game celebrations for our members.
History
The Steel Army was formed in November 2007 by a group of soccer fans after the Riverhounds announced a new ownership group and a return to USL-2 for the 2008 campaign. The initial gathering of a few members was held at Piper’s Pub on the South Side of Pittsburgh. Since then, we have grown to over 100 members including people from as far away as England and South Africa. Discussion on the Steel Army message board has become a daily routine for many people where topics include European and international football, soccer in the US and most importantly the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
At The Valley
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds play their home games at Chartiers Valley High School off of I-79. We sit in ‘The Yard’, which is the designated area for supporters, located behind the opposition’s bench. Pre-game festivities are held at the Greentree Radisson located off the Parkway West. Drink specials, discounted tickets and cheap transportation to and from the stadium are available.
Obligatory Word
Steel Army does not condone violent or offensive behavior. Members are expected not to cross the line of criminal legality. This includes, but is not limited to, personal problems, bigotry, sectarianism, violence, criminal mischief, or hooliganism in any of its forms. We enjoy a good relationship with the 'Hounds front office. We have been getting more involved with local, soccer-based organizations and will continue to pursue our charitable goal, which is to help children better their lives through soccer.
Join Us
Are you ready to support the Pittsburgh Riverhounds? Do you want to meet other soccer fans in Western Pennsylvania and around the world? Are you prepared to sing and make noise for 90 minutes? Then it's time to join the Army.
Who Are Ya?
We'd love to hear from you Contact Us and we'll get back to you.
