Meet the Sooner Gooners
As the game grows in popularity across the USA, you can find Arsenal supporters just about everywhere. The latest stop in our tour of Arsenal supporters groups takes us where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain -- Oklahoma! As branch manager Brian Perceful says, what you'll find here is a very inclusive group of soccer fans... but they do have an agenda:
"Everyone is welcome. We are constantly looking for footy fans, especially those just becoming fans. But our goal is to convert them over to our side. We can boast having a Man United fan who is a closeted Arsenal supporter!"
Group Name: Sooner Gooners
Location: Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK
Year established: 2011
Number of active members: "12 or so and growing. We have nearly 80 'likes' on Facebook."
Normal match start time: 10:00am
Where we watch matches: Halftime Sports Grill - 6812 SW 55th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73179. (405) 745-2795 and in Tulsa at the Paradox Pub - 411 West Stonewood Dr, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. (918) 355-7272
Where our members hail from: "All over the OKC metro area."
Group's favorite Arsenal moment: "The wins over Barcelona and Manchester United."
Group's favorite players: Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen, Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshere
Why we are Gooners: "The success and history of the club draw us here. The way the club remains competitive and develops players year in and year out while still remaining fiscally solvent also appeals to us. The entertaining free flowing style of play that this current squad plays also makes us fans. Being an Arsenal fan means being part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s part of a family."
Why Americans should be Arsenal fans: "Soccer is an amazingly beautiful game. The power of one goal is amazing. Its not like most other sports where scoring becomes taken for granted. You learn to appreciate the art form that builds up to a goal. The Arsenal typify this. They are competitive across all competitions every year. The club has an amazing history and an even brighter future."
Contact information: "Email us at oklahomacity@arsenalamerica.com, follow us Twitter or find us on Facebook. We also have a message board."
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