Grant Pieters
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!
Grant Pieters
#WhyImFlockEnd
Put simply, I'm an individual that is fueled by passion. Whether in my professional life or personal life, I've always strove to be someone that gives everything I have and leaves nothing behind. It's why I moved towards being an educator and it's definitely why I am so endeared to the beautiful game. It's that passion — from the players on the pitch, to the ultras in the stands, to the people watching at home and elsewhere — it infects your soul, makes you feel truly alive, and makes evident to you why this game is beloved here and across the world. When I heard Madison was getting a professional squad and supporters were organizing, I was obviously excited. From there, I just started showing up at games in the Flock End. Almost immediately, I was taken aback not only by the energy and vibrancy of The Flock, but with how accepting everyone was. The prevailing vibe of community, acceptance, and the strength that comes about from this are special, and, put simply, is an amazing experience.
After teaching for a while throughout the county, I took up an opportunity with the YMCA of Dane County, which has been more than fulfilling. I'm the Assistant Director for their Discovery Day Camp and also run an after school program at an elementary school in Verona. On top of that, I also help set up and coordinate community partnerships, which allows me to use my vast network of connections I have made from my numerous years in the service industry and Madison social scene to improve programming and create better experiences for the kids in our programs. Seeing how The Flock has a similar mission, when I was approached to use these skills to help further their mission, I was only more than happy to oblige. Wanting to increase our visibility and impact in the communities we serve, this season I am honored to be serving as the Co-Chair of Charity and Outreach for The Flock with my partner-in-benevolence, Amanda Klinkner.
Where did you grow up, what's your hometown like, and what brought you to Madison?
I moved from Madison when I was 5 to a small town called Cassville, tucked away in the bluffs near the Mississippi River. Though the town was beautifully picturesque, full of wonderful people, and great for a sports-obsessed kid like me, I always knew Madison was my home. I moved back here for college and I completed a childhood dream of obtaining my degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was equally as honored to earn my Master's from Edgewood College. Best of all, I am the father to an amazing and wonderful 14-year-old girl, Sophia. Having the chance to raise her in a city that I love and believe in so ardently is an opportunity only a fool would pass up.
Who's your all-time favorite footballer and why?
Two of them...Clint Dempsey and Zinedine Zidane.
Dempsey, to me, was the perfect representation of what an American footballer should be...this amalgam of culture, hard-work, swagger, determination, skill, and just an overall will to not be denied. Not only did he earn respect here, but he earned it abroad, as well. I mean, the dude got a broken nose in the first game of the 2014 World Cup and still went out and was banging in goals. That's Captain America for ya.
Zidane? What's to say? He was one of the first guys that I ever saw play this wonderful game where I could witness him taking over games on both sides of the ball. Simply incredible. Like watching an artist at work...completely confident in their ability and craft. IMO, the most complete footballer ever...and also a bald guy, so there's that, too.
I’m Flock End
because I'm strongly of the belief that when the right people with the right passion find the right moment, the impossible can become nothing.
What are your hopes for the new Forward Madison season?
Win the whole damn thing. Seriously. With the new additions to the solid core from last year, the impact of the supporters on both teams at Breese Stevens (and on the road), and just another season of knowing what's possible and what to expect, the sky is the limit for this squad.
What's your favorite part of matchday?
The walk from wherever our tailgate is to Breese Stevens. The passion, energy, and exuberance is unlike anything I've experienced here in the States and something I believe every Madisonian should experience.
Who's your favorite FMFC Player and why?
Don Smart — because he's a bald guy with a beard — OK, he's pretty damned good, too. Also, Turbo because he's got fantastic taste in kit numbers and is one helluva guy.
Do you have any favorite memories from the 2019 season?
Lansing. Plain and simple. If you weren't there...well, I don't know what to say. But that was an amazing experience all the way around. The home finale against North Texas was pretty incredible, too. You could tell from the energy throughout The Flock that North Texas didn't have a chance. When that goal went in, The Flock went BANANAS. Game over, man.
What's your favorite place to hang out with friends in Madison?
Genna's, Nattspil, Breese Stevens, and anywhere on or around the lakes.
What's the best vacation you've ever had?
I’m blessed to be able to have traveled around quite a bit, but really, the best trip I've ever had was a few years ago to Colorado. Spent a week there climbing multiple peaks, exploring, camping in RMNP, interspersed with time in Denver with some of my favorite people in the world watching the World Cup.
What does being a supporter of Forward Madison mean to you?
It means people of all races, creeds, and backgrounds representing all the beautiful parts of this city. It means helping light the spark in others to bring about equity and positive change for our community and in our lives, all through the wonderful game of football.
Forward Together. Always.
What song or album is on your heavy rotation right now?
After Hours by The Weeknd or Bloom by Rufus du Sol, but I also listen to Marvin Gaye pretty much every day. He's like a vitamin for me.
What's your favorite or most memorable soccer match that you've been to?
2007 Gold Cup Final in Chicago at Soldier Field. Was sitting in Sam's Army and when Benny Feilhaber had that sublime cracker of a volley...bliss. Especially, for it come out of nowhere against a damn good El Tri squad after the disappointment in Germany a year prior. Still one of the better pieces of skill I've witnessed.
Which of the new Forward Madison players announced are you most excited to see play?
Josiah, for what he can bring to back line and both in the locker room and in the community, and Woj because he's a dead ringer for Hank Scorpio from The Simpsons. He looks like a player.
What makes you excited to be a part of The Flock this year?
I'm excited to see how all of the tweaks and upgrades we have made to things are going to look, sound, and feel. There's a level of quiet energy among The Flock that feels ready to let loose. Going to be quite the sight.