The Manchester United Supporter’s Club is based in namma city
Clockwise: Naveen, Aparna, Amrita and Ankur. (Photo: DC)
Bengaluru: Their team might have lost their first match of the English Premiere League, but the loss didn’t disappoint them much, for Manchester United Fan’s Club Bengaluru just got their official status on August 15. They are now christened Manchester United Supporter’s Club Bangalore (MUSCB) and it is now the second supporters club that is recognised in India.
While the MUSC Mumbai, got its official status after eight years, the Bengaluru counterpart got its status in eight months. Naveen Ullal, 26, the chairman of MUSCB who has been following the team since 1999, says, “There is a proper order to this with elected members such as the chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer, PR, an event and social media coordinator.”
Their journey to the recognition required them to get 50 paid members; instead they managed to get 60. Started in 2013, they now have over 1,000 members. “It’s a great feeling and we didn’t really think we could achieve it,” says Arpana R, a 21-year-old postgraduate student from Jain College. Aparna has been a loyal supporter, courtesy David Beckham. “He drew me to the sport and the club,” confesses the psychology student.
The members make it a point to meet at least once a month, but now that the season has begun; the frequency has increased. Naveen explains that it is no joke to get the official status, “The status lasts only a year. Next year, we will need to enroll another 50 plus members to retain it. That said, once the target is achieved, anyone can sign up with us and become a member, and that is free of charge.” The founder of the club, Rohan Bharadwaj represented MUSCB at the first match against Swansea City at Old Trafford.
So what has changed for the members of this club? “The energy levels among the members have soared. There were over 200 people at Vapour, the home pub, where we screen all our matches (with commentary). It was magical,” recalls Ankur Sibal, a techie who is the treasurer and the contact person for MUSCB.
Apart from the emotional high, the initial members are now awaiting a letter signed by Louis van Gaal, the team’s new manager and their United goodies to arrive.
“The best part, every support club has a ticket quota reserved for the matches, which we can avail. It is a big deal, because money is secondary, getting these tickets is next to impossible,” Ankur reveals and adds that he hopes to make it for the end of season matches. That aside, during the trophy tour, the former players have to take a detour to the city that has attained the status.
“Last year, Mumbai got to see the trophy and this year we hope to see it too,” states the chairman. Ankur concurs and adds that it isn’t easy for everyone to go to the UK to see the match, but the official status, now makes their dream to get up close with the players, a reality which is within their reach.
( Source : dc )
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