#UpTheThieves

#UpTheThieves. You may have seen it on Twitter after St. Louis City SC announced their color scheme. It’s a popular response to similar kit designs, color usages, etc., and it tends to happen as there are only so many color combos that look good, so many designs those big-named kit designers will allow, etc. If they were on Twitter, St. Louligan members and regular soccer fans couldn’t miss the grief from what seemed like all of Soccer Twitter. And look, we get it. Things look SUPER similar. In the aftermath, we decided to take ‘The Thieves’ and turn it into something good for the city of Saint Louis and the metro area. We wanted to take it back.

So, The Thieves. What is this new group? Don’t worry, it’s no separation or split. We’re just a branch off of the St. Louligans. We still have the same purpose, overall views and wants of St. Louligans proper, we’re just a more extreme version. The Thieves will be used to specifically promote inclusivity for all marginalized populations and their allies within the supporter environment, and the regular world. If you’re not sure what constitutes a marginalized group, here’s a pretty good definition:

• Marginalized populations are groups and communities that experience discrimination and exclusion (social, political and economic) because of unequal power relationships across economic, political, social and cultural dimensions.

Let’s get a little deeper into that. Marginalized populations can include: BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, people with limited mobility or mobility issues, those experiencing houselessness, undocumented immigrants, those that are incarcerated, refugees, and those with mental illnesses. The list continues, but you get the idea. 

St. Louligans have historically supported these groups and communities throughout the years, and that will continue. The Thieves are just another way members can get involved in the local community for volunteer opportunities, and help support local charities supporting those that are marginalized and their allies. And by doing so we hope to create a more diverse supporters’ section at St. Louis City SC and other local soccer games.

As with the St. Louligans there will be no official membership requirements or dues, but we will require two things:

1. Specifically promote inclusivity for all marginalized groups and their allies. We expect you to actively fight against racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and ableism within the gameday/supporter environment, and always.
2. Sign up for and participate in charitable volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Bottom line: if you want to wear our merch, you need to show up for those that need you in our community.

If you have ideas, want to get involved, or know of a group/organization that fits our criteria, reach out to us via Twitter or email!