Red Patch Boys

Red Patch Boys
Name	Red Patch Boys
Founded	2010s
Location	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Affiliated	Toronto FC
Colors	Red, White
Stadium	BMO Field

Red Patch Boys The Red Patch Boys are an organized supporters' group centered in Toronto, Ontario, affiliated with Toronto FC and active at BMO Field. Known for vocal support, choreographed tifos, and banners, the group interacts with Canadian soccer culture, Major League Soccer, and international supporter networks across North America and Europe. Their activities intersect with local institutions such as City of Toronto agencies, provincial bodies like Ontario organizations, and pan-Canadian sporting events including Canadian Championship fixtures.

History

Formed in the early 2010s by a coalition of fans inspired by supporter models from England, Spain, and Germany, the group drew influence from historic organizations including Millwall F.C. fan culture, Borussia Dortmund’s The Yellow Wall, and ultras traditions associated with SS Lazio and Fenerbahçe S.K.. Early gatherings occurred near BMO Field during friendlies and CONCACAF Champions League matches, evolving alongside Toronto FC’s rise under managers like Ryan Nelsen and Greg Vanney. The group expanded during high-profile campaigns—2017 MLS Cup, 2019 MLS Cup, and international friendlies involving Liverpool F.C., Boca Juniors, and AC Milan—and engaged with supporter coalitions such as Red Bulls Supporters' networks and Canadian groups including Vancouver Whitecaps FC supporters and CF Montréal fan associations. Municipal regulations from Toronto Police Service and stadium policies from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment shaped early organizational practices.

Identity and Symbols

Visually identifiable through red-and-white kits like those worn by Toronto FC players such as Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Pozuelo, the group adopted insignia referencing Canadian military history and local symbols reminiscent of panels in the Regimental Badge tradition of units such as the 1st Canadian Division and the Royal Canadian Regiment. Banners and scarves incorporate imagery tied to Toronto landmarks including CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and neighbourhoods like Scarborough and North York. Tifo designs have drawn inspiration from global works such as Banksy-style street art, mural projects in Kensington Market, and historical posters like those commemorating the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The group’s name evokes cultural references without directly linking to specific institutions or military units.

Supporter Activities and Culture

The group organizes matchday marches, choreographies similar to Supporters' Trust campaigns, and coordinated chants modeled after those used by Liverpool F.C.’s Anfield crowd, Celtic F.C. supporters, and Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera. They collaborate with supporter entities such as Toronto Ultras, Voyageurs, True North, and participate in away travel to venues including Maple Leaf Gardens heritage events and MLS stadiums like Audi Field and Red Bull Arena. Cultural activities include watch parties at local venues in King Street West, charity drives with organizations like Toronto FC Foundation, and art projects in partnership with institutions such as Art Gallery of Ontario and community centres in Parkdale.

Relationship with Toronto FC and Sporting Institutions

Relationships have ranged from formal liaison with Toronto FC front office staff to interactions with league officials at Major League Soccer headquarters and with governing bodies like Canada Soccer and CONCACAF. Negotiations have addressed seating allocations, tifos, and supporter codes alongside stadium operators Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and vendors from BMO Financial Group. The group has interfaced with coaches and executives, including former technical director Tim Bezbatchenko and sporting director figures, and coordinated with other clubs’ supporters during fixtures involving LA Galaxy, New York City FC, and CF Montréal.

Notable Events and Controversies

The group has been prominent during several high-profile matches including playoff campaigns against Seattle Sounders FC and D.C. United, and international friendlies against Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Controversies have involved disputes over banner content, stadium pyrotechnics addressed by Toronto Police Service and MLS security, and clashes with rival fans such as those of CF Montréal and Columbus Crew at away fixtures. Incidents prompted dialogues with institutions like Safety Advisory Boards and media investigations by outlets including Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail.

Organization and Membership

Operative structure includes coordinators for tifos, travel, security liaisons, and outreach teams modeled after supporter trusts in England and fan councils seen at clubs like FC Barcelona and Manchester United. Membership draws from diverse Toronto communities including students from University of Toronto, Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), and professionals from industries linked to Rogers Communications and the tech sector. Volunteer roles mirror those in international groups such as Ultras Sur and curva sud organizations, emphasizing matchday stewardship and compliance with policies from Major League Soccer and BMO Field operators.

Media and Community Outreach

The group maintains presence across platforms comparable to supporters’ media in YouTube, Twitter, and podcast networks associated with The Athletic and local broadcasters like Sportsnet and TSN. Community outreach includes partnerships with charities such as SickKids Foundation, youth soccer programs under Ontario Soccer, and cultural festivals like Caribana (Toronto Caribbean Carnival). They collaborate with local media including NOW Magazine and city arts programs, producing fanzines and audiovisual content documenting tifos, chants, and matchday traditions.

Category:Toronto FC