“The 12th player” – football fans drum up support

Football could be described as simply 22 players chasing a ball around a pitch. But the real spectacle can often be seen in the crowd, with fans driving their team forward with their enthusiastic support.

While fan culture can sometimes be understated, many of the supporters who follow their teams around the country (or even the world) are just as dedicated as those fighting for the result on the field.

Matias Alvarez Silva is one of the dedicated drummers that follow the Waiheke United A team across the country. He says the Waiheke supporter group is often praised for bringing a passion and level of support that is hard to match.

Matias says “As an Argentinian person, football is part of our life, learning to play as soon as we can walk”. 

“As an Argentinian person, football is part of our life, learning to play as soon as we can walk”. Matias Alvarez Silva

While Matias made it clear he doesn’t consider himself a good player, he gets similar enjoyment watching games wherever he can.

As well as supporting  Waiheke United, Matias has just as much passion for the Argentinian national team. When the Women’s World Cup hit our shores, Matias and his friends knew they had to follow and support La Albiceleste. 

After enjoying the close game between Italy and Argentina at Eden Park, the group knew there was no question about making the journey to Hamilton to do the same.

This meant hiring 2 buses for almost 80 people and, bringing their drums and flags.

A feature of the Argentinian support is the singing, which they don’t just do at the ground.

“We sing all the way down to Hamilton, all through the game and all the way back. Though we lost, that’s our passion and we know how to celebrate it”.

“We sing all the way down to Hamilton, all through the game and all the way back. Though we lost, that’s our passion and we know how to celebrate it”.

Matias Alvarez Silva

As a member of such a passionate supporter group, Matias really sees the benefit of creating an incredible atmosphere for the players. 

“We like to say the supporters are the 12th player, it brings a lot of energy for the players”.

This is something Matias also would like to see more of  

“I wish NZ Football would start copying this because it makes a better atmosphere at the games and brings more colours and flavours to the beautiful sport”.

Though the tournament is sadly over for La Albiceleste, the support and pure joy the game brings to Matias and thes group  can be found anytime you catch a Waiheke United game.