Tenzin
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!
Tenzin
#WhyImFlockEnd
Photos: Chris Norris
I was born in New Delhi, India on January 28 1986, I am Tibetan American. My family fled Tibet in 1959 when China occupied Tibet and my parents came to India as refugees. I have lived most of my childhood in India and came to United States as refugees back in 1996 and I have lived in Wisconsin ever since. In India, cricket is the main sport (and some would call it a religion), but within Tibetan communities — futbol, or as it’s known here in the US, soccer — was our sport. I grew up playing soccer in India — with or without shoes; all we needed was ball or a round object — whether it’s on grass, concrete, or dirt, we played.
The game of futbol has brought me so much joy and pain through out my life as a player and a fan but I always loved it and I have been a student of this game ever since. The clubs I follow are FC Barcelona, Milwaukee Wave and Everton.
When they announced Madison would have our very own professional soccer team I cant describe the emotions I was going through, finally one of my childhood dreams is coming true. I could care less if we had a team in MLS, USL Championship or USL League One — I was just happy we had a team in Madison, WI! I will be a season ticket holder for life.
What makes you excited to be a part of The Flock this year?
The inaugural season set a high standard, just the supporter groups and what they accomplished was amazing. The Flock, Featherstone flamingos, La Barra, Forward Union and Mingo Ladies have great leadership and people that are driven to make a difference in our community.
What are your hopes for the new Forward Madison season?
Goals, Goals, Goals…and more goals!!!
Do you have any favorite memories from the 2019 season?
The Flock Tour. The Lansing trip was one of the best memories I have had, the ride to Lansing, to the hospitality that was shown to us by the Lansing Ignite Supporters, to the actual game which felt more like a home game with all of us screaming at the top of our lungs and the win made it so much sweeter.
Who's your favorite FMFC Player and why?
JC Banks. I have watched JC when he played with the Milwaukee Wave and I have talked to him multiple times and genuinely good guy on and off the pitch. He will have a bigger role this coming season I see he got the #10.
I’m Flock End
because if you want to have proper match experience like no other you have to be in the Flock End during matches; the singing, chants, banners and tifo flying high and proud and you cant forget Tetris.
Who's your all-time favorite footballer and why?
Ronaldinho, just the way he played and the joy he brought to the game was something that drew me to Barca but Messi made my love stay at Barca.
What song or album is on your heavy rotation right now?
Kanye West - The College Dropout
What's your favorite or most memorable soccer match that you've been to?
2016 In Chicago, Copa America. Argentina vs. Panama. I finally saw Messi in person and the whole stadium screaming Messi.. Messi…Messi is something I will never forget.
What's your favorite place to hang out with friends in Madison?
Breese Stevens every Saturday night.
Which of the new Forward Madison players announced are you most excited to see play
Mike Vang, I read he played overseas and I am excited to see what this youngster will bring to our team.
What does being an FMFC supporter mean to you?
When you wished for something for so long and it finally comes true, it means everything!!! Win or Lose, You’ve got a lifelong supporter here.