Be There: American Outlaws World Cup viewing at British Bulldog Pub

Despite what the name implies, the American Outlaws are not part of the seedy plot that underlies the popular television show “Sons of Anarchy.”

Instead, the organization is actually a national fan group that supports Team USA soccer.

With more than 100 chapters nationwide, the Columbia chapter became the first official chapter established in South Carolina over two years ago when the group hit 25 members. Now, the group boasts more than 200 members. The group gathers for group viewings of all U.S. Men’s National Team events and attends any such events that are in the Southeast. This year, the group gathered to watch its first women’s event with the FIFA Women’s World Cup match.

“We were not sure what to expect, but I know a lot of ladies that play in a soccer league in Columbia, so I knew that they would come out,” said AO Columbia chapter president Stephen Garcia (no, not that one). “We will meet for every U.S. Women’s game during the World Cup and, hopefully, the Women’s Olympic team matches in two years.”

Those Women’s World Cup gatherings take place in Columbiana Station at British Bulldog Pub off Bower Parkway. While most of the attendees are AO Cola members, anyone is welcome to attend, Garcia said.

“Anyone can join us for the games,” Garcia said. “The British Bulldog always holds the side room for us, and we encourage anyone who is passionate about soccer to join us.”

Membership in the group is only $25 annually and includes a T-shirt, bandana and perks such as cheap Team USA soccer tickets. A nonprofit social club, AO Cola donates any profit money from memberships and merchandise back into the club or into Columbia organizations. Past charities have included Families Helping Families, Harvest Hope and Pawmetto Lifeline. The group also adopted a highway close to the British Bulldog and does road cleanups throughout the year.

The Outlaws’ mission is to unite, strengthen and support U.S. national soccer teams through local and national groups of supporters.

“Just a few years ago, soccer fans in the United States were a small bunch. Today, games draw huge crowds at the venue and even bigger crowds at bars and restaurants across the country,” said AO Cola member Sunny Phillips. “I am a mom of four girls, all of whom have played soccer at some point, and my husband and I have instilled in them that girls can do anything boys can. But it’s not just women and girls who are into the Women’s World Cup. To see grown men get just as excited when Megan Rapinoe scores a goal as they do when Clint Dempsey does is a very cool thing.”

“The reason why American Outlaws is named ‘Outlaws’ is because we (soccer fans) are the outcasts of the sports world in America,” Garcia said. “You are essentially taking this obscure subculture and surrounding yourself with others who share the same passion.”

The Vibe

Outlaws events are lively, patriotic, upbeat and action-packed. Since many of the group’s events – such as these Women’s World Cup viewings at British Bulldog Pub – are in the evening, they are more adult-oriented.

“It really kind of depends on the time of day (we meet),” Phillips said. “There are plenty of games where we take (our) girls and they have a blast, but there are abundant amounts of adult beverages around – especially for the late games – so the language can sometimes be salty. Day games, though, are definitely kid-friendly.”

The youngest AO Columbia member is 14, and the oldest is mid- to late 60s, according to Garcia. Typically, an average of 35 Outlaws members attend a viewing.

“Usually there is no beer spilled, but the World Cup is something else,” Garcia said.

The Verdict

If you go, expect to make some friends, do some singing and yell hard for Team USA.

“You can’t be shy and introverted at an AO event, that’s for sure,” Phillips said.

And don’t forget to wear your red, white and blue.

Anyone interested in joining the Columbia chapter of the American Outlaws Columbia can by visiting the group’s national website www.theamericanoutlaws.com/membership and select “AO Columbia, S.C.” as your local chapter.

The British Bulldog Pub is at the Columbiana Station on Bower Parkway.

For a list of upcoming Outlaws events, visit: www.theamericanoutlaws.com/events.

Janet Jones Kendall, Special to Go Columbia

This story was originally published June 23, 2015 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Be There: American Outlaws World Cup viewing at British Bulldog Pub."