Last week, Bryan James was kind enough to answer a few questions on the Sons of Ben Supporter Group.  The Sons of Ben have been working towards bringing a Major League Soccer expansion franchise to the Philadelphia area.  Now that Philly is so close to making their soccer dreams come true, the Sons of Ben have become role models for supporter groups in non-MLS cities.

It is always nice to see success from humble beginnings.  The interview provides some insight into the development of a supporter group and the current state of Philadelphia soccer.  It also shows that we can make a difference as fans.

What I found interesting for New Yorker soccer supporters is how the Sons of Ben were able to stay focused on the goal and did not let the naysayers distract them.  Fortunately, the internet has “ignore” buttons.  Too bad real life does not.

On with the interview…

Tell me about the Sons of Ben’s mission.  Does it branch outside of bringing the MLS to Philadelphia?
Actually, it was never intended to be a lobbyist group. We had one of those, Philadelphia Pro Soccer Foundation, but it died shortly after we started Sons of Ben.

Who founded the SoB and how did they start the organization?  How did they recruit and spread the word about bringing professional soccer in Philadelphia?
Me, Andy Dillon, and Dave Flagler started the group. We started recruiting through BigSoccer. We had made enough noise in two months that Philadelphia resident and Four Four Two contributor Steven Wells decided to pen a piece on us – he met us at our first event.

What is the current state of SoB?  How many members do you have?
We have just under 1,050 members of which about 10% are genuinely active.

Don Garber, MLS commissioner, has stated that either Philadelphia or St. Louis will be the next MLS franchise. Do you like your chances of having an MLS in the near future?
I would think that a market like Philadelphia has an advantage. Not only do we have a larger media market, we also have two derby games within a 2 hour drive. I hope we will be playing by 2010 provided the State makes the deal happen.

What are SoB’s plans for 2008?
Depends on what there is to do. This year could be tough if there is no announcement. Ideally, the deal will get approved and the owners will decide to host a game or two to get momentum building.

A few weeks ago, I though Philadelphia was a shoe-in to be the next MLS franchise, but things have changed a little.  Your stadium has not been approved yet and if you look at 2010 there is news that Miami might be building a SSS.  Does the expansion process get you down?  How do you deal with uncertainty of the situation?  Does SoB have any plans if Philadelphia does not enter the MLS?
I’m not concerned, it’s simple; if the State approves the funding we are in. If they don’t then I have spent the year with an amazing group of guys doing something that no one thought possible. I mean, I was quoted in Sports Illustrated and Four Four Two, was on the cover of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Delco Times, and did television interviews. I am humbled and flattered all at once. The process is painful, but as Philly fans we are unfortunately accustomed to disappointment.

What is your advice to supporter groups, like NYC’s Borough Boys, that want to help bring an MLS franchise to their city?
Get a bunch of like minded individuals and approach it as a business. We meet at least once a week on skype or in person. We have a charter ready, we are working on trademarking our logo, we just completed our first charity event, and we are very careful and passionate about the organization.

What have you found to be the most effective way to garner attention for a Philadelphia expansion team?
Build a quorum, then plan non-confrontational events. Go to local games, host your own viewing parties, etc.

Has there been any opposition to soccer in Philadelphia?  If any, how has SoB responded?
Actually, there is more opposition to spending state money than to the sport. When we get soccer haters through our Contact Sons of Ben form, we discuss it as a group, and then usually don’t respond. There is no way to convince a soccer hater except by taking them to a game. Save your energy for better things, your persuasive argument won’t impress them.

You mention that the opposition is against using state money. I see that being a problem in NYC too. How has SoB responded to the anti-stadium lobbyists? How have you shown city officials that SoB supports the use of state money?
We’ve done the only thing we could do - create a petition outlining the positives and then deliver it. In our case, after 3 months I delivered the compiled document to the Senate Majority Leader. We aren’t concerning ourselves with the anti-stadium folks.

When Philadelphia does get an MLS franchise, how does SoB plan to celebrate?
The local tattoo parlors will be busy doing Jolly Franklin tattoos. Then, who knows, some kind of weekend long bender.

I would like to thank Bryan James and the Sons of Ben for their time.  Good luck in 2008 and hopefully we’ll be exchanging some spirited cheers in 2011.

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