We've checked in with more than two dozen branches of Arsenal America so far and more are popping up all the time. But this week we head to south to visit a group that despite being around for a number of years, is looking to grow and evolve just as much as the city that bears it's name. As branch manager Doug Goodwin says,
"We welcome ideas and input from Atlanta supporters! We would love to set up multiple viewing locations and hold local get togethers."
Group Name: Atlanta Gooners
Location: Atlanta, GA
Normal match start time: Five hours behind London
Number of active members: There are hundreds of local Gooners with 30+ strong at the pub on matchdays.
Where we watch matches: We can be found at the Brewhouse Cafe -- 401 Moreland Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30307, RíRá Irish Pub -- 1080 Peachtree Street Northeast Atlanta, GA 30309 and Mac McGee Irish Pub -- 111 Sycamore Street Decatur, GA 30030-3338.
Where our members hail from: Throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia
Group's favorite players: Whoever is wearing red & white (or whatever wacky away color scheme Nike has conjured up!)
Why we are Gooners: Every fan has their own unique story on how they came to love the Arsenal. Sharing those experiences -- the joy of wins and the heartbreak of losses -- are what makes us Gooners.
How big is Arsenal/English football in your area?: Atlanta is one of the country's emerging soccer scenes, with small but fervent supporters across the metro area.
Why Americans should be Arsenal fans: Arsenal is a fascinating club, with rich history, game-shaping managers and players, contemporary success and a bright future. The team offers plenty of easy ways for U.S. fans to connect and feel a part of the action.
Contact information: Email us at atlgooners@gmail.com or follow us on Twitter at@ATLGooners. We're also on Facebook.
Copyright 2013 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source 21 Sep 2011
