Dipesh
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, The Flock. Don’t miss a chance to join us in the Flock End this season; get your season tickets here!
Dipesh Navsaria
#WhyImFlockEnd
Photos: Josh Barraza
I was born in London and grew up in New York City; you’d think two cities like that would mean I was into soccer as a young child. However, unlike many soccer fans, I came to enjoying soccer later on; I never played as a child (or as an adult), and didn’t really have the opportunity to watch much, given the lack of outlets that showed soccer in the US, and a family that wasn’t into watching sports of any kind.
As an adult, I had the fortune to be living in Washington when MLS began, and DC United’s amazing early years had me rather hooked. I managed to attend a few games, and even after moving to the Midwest my wife and I managed to get to a couple of DCU playoff games. Life got busy (medical training, children, etc), and my watching consisted primarily of some Champions League matches and even that tailed off over time. I still liked soccer and would love to watch, but…it just wasn’t in the cards. I took my kids to a 56ers game in Madison once — it was fine, but Breese Stevens Field didn’t feel as exciting as it could.
Then Forward Madison happened. It was what I had been waiting for, without even knowing it. The atmosphere, the excitement, the incredible willingness of the team to really listen to their fans was amazing. And, of course, The Flock — I finally could be around a diverse, wacky, thoughtful, friendly bunch of people who I could express my love for this team with together.
What makes you excited to be a part of The Flock this year?
So much has gone so well that one would think The Flock has been around for at least a decade — amazingly, it’s only been a year! I can’t wait to see how things go as our supporters’ group and team both mature further.
What are your hopes for the new Forward Madison season?
I of course would love to see us win the league, and go as far as possible in the US Open Cup. But even so, I want everyone — the team, the front office, the fans, the city — to all have fun.
What's your favorite part of matchday?
I really enjoy The Flock’s march from the pre-game party to the stadium — singing, waving flags, and watching the looks of surprise and delight on the faces of people we pass on the way!
Who's your favorite FMFC Player and why?
Jiro Barriga Toyama is my favorite. He’s not flashy or a top goal-scorer or defender, but he’s solid, plays well, and is a good sport. Also, his number is 77, which is a Significant Madison Number. And, best of all, his first name scans beautifully into any song with the word “hero” in the title.
I’m Flock End
because I really believe that the work of The Flock is intentional and important — so much that I wrote about it.
Do you have any favorite memories from the 2019 season?
It was the 4-1 home victory over North Texas. I was a little grouchy because there was some technical issues with the tickets and we got into the stadium *just* before kickoff. Said glitches were completely forgotten as we resoundingly took down the first-place team in the league. It was pure bedlam at the Breese that night!
I have to admit being “added” to the team as the Historic™ World Soccer’s First-Ever Team Bowtie Consultant was kinda great as well. Particularly when actual bowties became available for sale.
What song or album is on your heavy rotation right now?
I’ve actually been listening to my music collection much less recently, and instead nerding out listening to the Aria Code podcast on opera arias.
What's your favorite or most memorable soccer match that you've been to?
I wasn’t physically *at* the match, but I watched the 1999 Champions League Final with a friend who is a lifelong Bayern Munich fan. As a modest Man U follower, I genuinely congratulated him as his team was on the verge of securing a historical “treble” win, taking that opportunity from Man U. And then the last three minutes broke out, with Teddy Sheringham, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and friends unbelievably seizing victory.
What does being an FMFC supporter mean to you?
It means being able to enjoy the game, the team, and my fellow fans — but it also means thinking clearly and intentionally about how to do all those things in as inclusive and community-supporting a manner as possible. Face it, Forward Madison games are far and away one of the most diverse community events around.