Members of Sunderland AFC’s Sydney Supporters branch are celebrating reaching a 100 members in less than a year.
Chris Green, who set up the group, has been following the Black Cats since 2007 and in that time has become committed to his beloved red and white army, sacrificing the early hours of the day to follow Sunderland week in week out from the other side of the world.
Speaking to safc.com Chris explained how fate and a trip to the UK formed the supporters group.
Chris said: “I planned a family holiday last year to the UK and on the morning of the flight there was an article on the SAFC website about the UAE Supporter Group and it just so happened that on our way to England I would be stopping over in Dubai.
“I met up with the group and was so impressed by the atmosphere they created and the comradery between everyone and made a commitment that I would start a Sydney Supporters Branch.
“I started the group in December last year and it has grown rapidly in that time. The Premier League has a big following in Australia, with the usual big teams having more of a following than others, but I have found after starting the Sunderland group that we aren’t so rare.
“It’s just about getting our name out there and through Facebook and the links on safc.com we are starting to get a few more people in week by week.
“On mathcdays we meet up at the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel, this is a great location to accommodate the match times especially given that most of our members live in the city or are travelling to Sydney as part of their holiday.
“My goals going forward is to keep the momentum going, there’s a big difference between over 20 people turning up for a game and two, no offence to Sean and Steven, the first two that came to the first get together.”
For more information about the Sydney Sunderland Supporters branch please contact Chris at chrisrossgreen@yahoo.com.au or join the Sydney Sunderland Supporters Group on Facebook.
Sunderland fans, anywhere in the world, can join in the conversation and send in their best Black Cats stories and moments using the hashtag #WearAroundTheWorld.