Are you ready, Canada? Spring is here, which means the grass is back; it also means that the soccer season is starting up again. Now I know we all love hockey, but soccer is growing fast in Canada and really, what’s not to love? We hear it’s called ‘the beautiful game’ and for good reason – these fans are crazy about flags!
We have four professional teams in the Great White North; Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Toronto FC, Montreal Impact FC playing in the MLS and the Ottawa Fury playing in the NASL. So let’s have a look at just how flag crazy these fans can be! (And I saved the best for last, so be sure to read the whole way down!)
First up, let’s start back east. These Montreal Impact fans have not only flags, but a bell??? How’d they manage that? Also, did you notice the Irish banner? That could be pretty seasonally appropriate I think. (*cough* St.Patrick’s Day *cough*)
This pic from the Toronto FC shows off the custom banner side of game flags – these are great if you have a front row seat, or if your stadium doesn’t allow flagpoles (a note on that at the end).
A photo posted by Toronto FC (@torontofc) on
In Ottawa, they like to keep it in the province; their Red Devil mascot seems to enjoy the Ontario flag!
Finally, here in Vancouver the local team supporters, the Vancouver Southsiders, really know how up the ante with their flag game. Here’s a video from a recent March to the season opener:
Players, here ✔️ Supporters, here ✔️ MLS Season, here ✔️ #VWFC
A video posted by Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@whitecapsfc) on
Yeah, these groups really know what’s up when it comes to flags:
A photo posted by Vancouver Southsiders (@vancouversouthsiders) on
BONUS: Canada also has a national supporter group, The Voyageurs, and you guessed it, they love flags a whole lot:
A photo posted by Vancouver Southsiders (@vancouversouthsiders) on
If you want to get in on all of the flag fun, we do sell licensed MLS flags for the Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver teams in our online shop. And if you really want to step up your game, we can make you something custom. Please remember, though, that each stadium has its own rules around flags. One of your best bets is to join a local supporter group – they often work closely with the team to up the ante when it comes to the fan section.
The Flag Shop has been working locally with the Vancouver Whitecaps for years. You can see examples of their street banners here and of a giant flag we did for them here. If you would like more information about ordering a custom flag, please contact us.