Continued from page 6 Caleb shined enough on the field during academy play he was called up in 2020 and 2021 to play for Atlanta United’s reserve team, Atlanta United 2. The reserve team competes in the United Soccer League, a professional league just below Major League Soccer. The reserve team is also part of Atlanta United’s structure to produce more MLS players. Caleb was 15 when he made his debut for Atlanta United 2, making him the youngest player in club history to play professionally. Being the youngest on the field once intimidated him, but no longer. “Age is just a number,” he says. “Now I just go out and do my thing.” Caleb Wiley signs a four-year contract with Atlanta United.
A Big Family Atlanta United supporter groups cheer on the team, aid the community Members of Terminus Legion show off their scarves at a pre-season event at Fowling Warehouse. (Photo by Isadora Pennington)
Footie Mob member Ashley “A-Ro” Robinson DJs at a tailgate event.
By Collin Kelley and Isadora Pennington Don’t call it a fan club! That’s what you’ll likely hear from a member of one of Atlanta United’s four designated supporter groups – Terminus Legion, Footie Mob, Resurgence, and The Faction – upon using the wrong nomenclature. So, supporter groups it is. And it’s pretty easy to see that members are much more than just casual fans. During home games, supporter group members are found outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium tailgating and getting fired up for the match. Then, they parade into the
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stadium carrying the giant golden spike, a callback to Atlanta’s railroad beginnings and a symbol of unity and strength. The golden spike sits in front of the boisterous supporter section just behind the home goal, and it’s from this section that the chants, cheers, and singing begins and echoes around The Benz. Current Terminus Legion President Lisa Wilder didn’t really care for the sport while growing up. After marrying her Portuguese husband, a die-hard fan, and watching World Cup matches with him, she began to see the appeal. Still, when he bought
them Atlanta United season tickets as a Valentine’s Day present, she rolled her eyes and went along. After her first match, she was hooked. “We joined all the supporter groups in the beginning, but we fell in with Terminus Legion because we liked the community service aspect of it,” Wilder said. She also loved the ritual before each home game and admits she’s addicted to the surge of being ‘part of something bigger than yourself.” She’s only missed a handful of home games since joining in 2017. Both on and off-season, Terminus
Legion members can be found giving back to the community through volunteering and working with charities. Wilder said that beyond the rowdy support at each game, the group actually “does more in the community than we do in the stands.” Some of the organizations Terminus Legion supports include Soccer in the Streets, Mostly Mutts, Chattahoochee River Keeper, and the Clean Sheet project to assist victims of domestic violence. Members also donated funds to the fire department and helped with pandemic relief efforts. Terminus Legion member Amy Jurden At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m
