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BEHIND THE STRIPES

Ashley Robinson

By Atlanta United FC

April 2^nd, 2024

Flags flying, drums banging, and countless chants all come together to create the matchday symphony of excitement that we all know and love. Always ready, and always united.

That heartbeat, the pulse of every Atlanta United match is found in the supporter’s section, better known as The Gulch. The exhilarating energy emitted there can be felt from everywhere in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Fans arrange a spectacle of boundless passion—exemplifying the major club pillar: equal parts supporter and club.

There, the six official supporter groups made up of the rowdiest 17s, gather to cheer on the 5-Stripes through every momentous high and gut-punching low. Come rain or shine these folks are bringing the hype. With each passing match, Footie Mob continues to expand its reach, welcoming new members into its fold and fostering a sense of belonging among new supporters. The group’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is not just their mission statement.

The official supporter section remains packed up until the final whistle and never wavers in morale. Unique fan culture and rich traditions are stretched across countless rows every matchday, creating an atmosphere of palpable excitement and contagious passion that few other clubs can rival.

Amongst the infamous six stands Footie Mob. A tribe centered around blending Atlanta culture and southern sports traditions in with global soccer fandom. With each passing match, Footie Mob continues to expand its reach, welcoming new members into the fold and deepening a sense of belonging among new fans. And, their mission to do so seamlessly goes beyond the stadium walls. Year in and year out, Footie Mob strategizes ways to cultivate and diversify the soccer community in and around the city of Atlanta. The official ATL UTD supporters’ group embodies Atlanta’s vibrant and unique community tapestry with its members ranging in age, culture, and backgrounds across the Atlanta area.

Front and center, and serving as the current President of Footie Mob, is Ashley Robinson. Since the club’s inception back in 2017, Robinson has showed up and showed out as an invested member of the group. The dedication from her, and fans alike, is what makes the matchday experience so unforgettable.

More than a casual supporter or a passive fan, Robinson has been a longtime advocate for anything city-centered. Born and raised right here in Atlanta, Robinson is a true ATLien through and through. She has always looked for opportunities to get involved in community-driven initiatives, and sports has been no exception. Having a soccer club in Atlanta to rally behind was the perfect addition to her activities calendar.

Still, the former childhood soccer player’s investment into Atlanta United goes beyond just celebrating momentous moments on the pitch. More than any unforgettable goal, for Robinson, it has been about the personal alignment she felt with the club’s values and community.

Beyond her role as President, Robinson leads by example as an unapologetic trailblazer in an array of environments, fearlessly navigating spaces where women, especially Black women, are often underrepresented. From supporter meetings to conference rooms, Robinson brings her spirit of curiosity and determination to each environment. Robinson states, “there’s nothing I can't learn.” Whether it’s mixing tracks from behind the DJ booth or offering a financial analysis as a stockbroker, Robinson doesn’t let the intimidation of male-dominated spaces stop her from showing up and showing out. Adding, “people will simply adjust to you, one doesn’t need to adjust to people’s expectations.”

Operating in areas where she often finds herself being one of few, if not the only, has not dimmed her shine. In fact, it has ignited her passion and deepened her drive to encourage others to feel comfortable pursuing the unfamiliar. With role models like Simone Biles and Monica Kaufman, Robinson has long valued the bravery needed to step outside of what is expected. By advocating for inclusivity, Robinson empowers women to use their voices regardless of their surroundings or feeling intimidated. Robinson said as a reminder that, “we’re not trying to take up the same space, we just want to make sure we are taking up space.” Through example, both professionally and personally, she inspires women to step into the spotlight and make their voices heard within sports and beyond.

Lucky for Robinson, and the entire city of Atlanta, there are more thrilling soccer moments ahead that she can look forward to. On the horizon is the SheBelieves Cup. A tournament that celebrates empowerment and serves as inspiration for young girl athletes everywhere. Aside from inspiring the next generation of players, the SheBelieves Cup also offers a chance for thousands of supporters to rally behind the women’s national team since the announcement of the U.S Soccer Federation relocating to Fayette County.

Robinson shared that for her it’s not just about the matches—it’s about the chance to extend her unwavering support to players who inspire her, and to witness the growing visibility of female athletes in the world of soccer. A big element of that, Robinson states, is the way “women supporters add intentionality and an eagerness to be involved to each match.” Adding that showing up now for the MLS would mean continuing to grow the conversation beyond the initial intrigue of the U.S women’s team.

As an OG supporter, Robinson’s matchday routine has become a cherished tradition that has evolved alongside the growth of the club. Each element is carefully curated to enhance the experience of supporting the 5-Stripes. Long before the starting XI takes the pitch, Robinson is already in motion, preparing for the impending excitement that awaits in the Gulch at the stadium. Her matchday preparations begin with constructing the pre-match tunes—a blend of iconic Atlanta anthems, party classics, and the latest hits selected to get the crowd hyped. From there her focus moves onto outfit cultivation, Robinson shared as she sports the latest community Resurgens Kit.

But the party starts at the tailgate. Beside other die-hard 17s, hours before kickoff, countless memories are made. There, amidst sizzling barbecue, games of cornhole and frosty beers, the spirit of Footie Mob comes alive. And, at the heart of it all, Robinson works to make sure that the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation from the march to the stands.

When noting what brings her back season after season, Robinson remarked that it was just the way, “ATL UTD has its ears to the streets.” Apart from expanding the fan base, for Robinson it is equally as important to depict the truth of the city and working with organizations that do that with intentionality. Still, accurately capturing the vibe of a city and the diversity of fans is no easy task.

One example she recalls fondly was the collaboration that took place with Atlanta Influences Everything, a brand deeply rooted in the principles of understanding and connectivity within ATL. The partnership served as more than a collaboration for many. It was a meaningful activation that resonated with Footie Mob as a collective. Through that experience, Robinson and her fellow supporters gained an appreciation for the club’s efforts to authentically engage with the city and fans. This kind of intentional collaboration not only expands the reach of ATL UTD, but also fosters a deeper sense of belonging among fans from all walks of life.

Ultimately, Robinson’s journey from avid supporter to President of Footie Mob is a testament to her unwavering passion, unyielding dedication, and indomitable community spirit. Her profound commitment to Atlanta United, the supporter’s group and the vibrant city itself has left a lasting impact on fans and is a reminder of the club’s core values.

Robinson’s tireless advocacy for empowerment, authenticity and inclusivity resonates far beyond the confines of the soccer pitch, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women of all ages and backgrounds. Her story is one that is tethered by the power of unity, and the rejection of limitations.

As the season unfolds and the cheers of the crowd echo up to the roof, Robinson can be found deep in The Gulch. Surrounded by fellow 17s, she continues to champion the values of community and support. Forever serving as a reminder to the people of Atlanta, the spirit of soccer and the voices of fans will not only be heard, but they will thrive.