Dylan Kox: Why I'm Flock End
The great Scottish player and coach Jock Stein once said, “Football is nothing without fans.” Presenting #WhyImFlockEnd: a weekly series highlighting members of Forward Madison FC’s Independent Supporters Association, affectionately termed The Flock.
Dylan Kox
#WhyImFlockEnd
We’re a soccer family, that’s just how it is.
I grew up on the east side of Madison and in my early years played at Olbrich park right on Lake Monona. In backyard drills, my older brother (now a coach) challenged me to work harder, to play against him and his friends and routinely forced me onto my left foot. I played through my senior year at East High and was fortunate enough to play at Breese Stevens a few times on the old grass field.
The feeling I got when I walked onto that field and looked back at the stands was unforgettable. It’s a special field with a great feel to it.
Madison is a growing city, people are coming here from all over. But it wasn’t that long ago that a large stretch of East Wash was empty car lots; we are city in transition. With soccer being the global game, I think it will bring together everyone who loves the sport and just want to be around it. It provides an easy way to gather the community and set aside differences and support one thing as a whole. It also is great for young kids to see a level that isn’t MLS or the national team. Madison has a lot of youth involvement in the game and I think it will be really cool for a lot of kids to see what levels are out there. Not everyone will play at an international level, but if you work at it you can still play the game you love and make a living.
What makes you excited to be a part of The Flock this year?
It’s an unique opportunity to be part of this club’s beginning. Deciding to be a part of The Flock before the first ball was kicked, for me, is a chance to be a 100% behind the team. It’s the ability to create a positive, energetic and excited culture behind the team right from the get go. Oh, and someone say there was gonna be smoke bombs…
Who's your all-time favorite footballer and why?
As a kid I really liked the Italian national team. Del Piero, Vieri, Maldini, Baggio, Pirlo. But my all-time favorite, I would have to say is Gennaro Gattuso. The type of center midfielder to lay it on the line for his team. A persistent defender.
What are you looking forward to most about Forward Madison's inaugural season?
Seeing the community out. East side, West side, North side, South side, Middleton, Waunakee, Monona, Verona, The Bluff, Shorewood all celebrating that first goal at Breese.
What aspect of soccer supporter culture would you like to see in the Flock End?
Songs and flags. People really get into chanting as a group and flags are just a great way to show that visual support.
I’m Flock End
Because I want to create a positive, energetic, and excited culture behind the team right from the get go
Favorite place to hang out with friends in Madison?
In the summertime it’s definitely James Madison park.
Best vacation you've ever had?
Probably Italy 2018. My mother and I went to the village where her grandfather was born at the feet of Mt. Vesuvius.
What's your favorite or most memorable soccer match that you've been to?
03/03/2013 - Flamengo x Botafogo, Estádio Nilton Santos aka “Engenhão” Rio de Janeiro, BR. It was the 60th birthday of Flamengo and Brazilian legend Zico. Botafogo scored in the first minute and for the rest of the game their supporters were hella loud. Banners, flags and songs they willed their team onward for the remaining 89 minutes.
Which of the Forward Madison players announced so far are you most excited to see play?
Probably Josiel Núñez - we got him on a loan deal, but hes a capped Panamanian International.