Fans were selected from four of Atlanta’s registered supporters groups: Resurgence, Terminus Legion, The Faction and Footie Mob. Each group represents a different personality of Atlanta’s fan base: Resurgence with the focus on a heartfelt in-game experience, Terminus Legion which supports service to the community and projects like the Chattahoochee River Clean-Up, The Faction whose motto is “club first” and holds family-oriented values, and Footie Mob which is all about a social, fun environment.
And together, the groups brought Atlanta’s passionate culture directly to the Training Ground.
“It’s such a great gesture toward the fans,” said Kevin Kinley, leader of The Faction. “His familia, his total family atmosphere about the fans and the team and connecting those two together I think is really important.”
Andrea Morris, leader for the Resurgence group, took half a day off from work to accept Pineda’s invitation.
“He didn’t just ask us to be here,” Morris said. “He asked us to bring the supporters’ experience here, which I think is a level above just having an open practice.”