Sons of Ben (MLS Supporters Association) - Associated Supporters Groups

Associated Supporters Groups

The Sons of Ben organization was created to help bring a Major League Soccer team to Philadelphia. Some members also support other local teams, including Reading United and Harrisburg City Islanders, both of the United Soccer Leagues.

The Sons of Ben operate under two other names - the Philadelphia Chapter of The American Outlaws (aka AO Philly) and the Daughters of Betsy - when supporting specific other teams. AO Philly's purpose is to support the United States men's national soccer team; the Daughters of Betsy is a spin-off fan club created to support the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer. The name of the latter alludes to Betsy Ross, who, according to legend, sewed the first U.S. flag; it was originally a sarcastic nickname given to the Sons of Ben by the Empire Supporters Club, a New York Red Bulls supporters association.

In addition, a number of sub-groups within the Sons of Ben have developed, primarily but not exclusively based on seating arrangements. Some of these subgroups include the Bearfight Brigade, The IllegitimateS (Sec 133), The Bridge Crew (Sec. 120-121), and the Corner Creeps (Sec. 134).

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