Matthew Bick

The American Outlaws are a supporters' organization dedicated to following the United States Men's and Women's national soccer teams as well as uniting and strengthening the sport in general around the nation. The Outlaws are organized accross the nation into local chapters, of which there are now over 50. The Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter was founded in March of 2011.

Throughout the process to found the organization, I was involved in a supporting capacity, lending advice, etc., and participating in discussions about basic chapter setup tasks (finding a location to watch all of the games, etc.). Upon the chapter's official recognition by the national governance body, I volunteered to conduct all social media and website operations for the local chapter.

I began by setting up Twitter and Facebook accounts for the chapter. I actually created the @AOMplsStPaul account shortly before the chapter was officially recognized, and used that vehicle to promote the new chapter in the MSP area. The Twitter page now has over 200 followers and is growing daily. I frequently interact with American international soccer players as well as regular AO MSP chapter members. There is also a healthy banter between the MSP chapter and other American Outlaws chapters around the nation. The Facebook page is currently under construction -- when finished, it will contain numerous downloadable content pieces, including desktop wallpapers, which I will be designing. It will also be used to further promote events put on by the chapter as the United States begins its World Cup qualification cycle in 2012.

Shortly after creating the Twitter handle and Facebook page I customized a logo for the chapter to reflect the national organization and some unique hallmarks of soccer support in Minnesota. Prior to the Outlaws chapter being born, die-hard international soccer fans in Minnesota had organized under the "1st Minnesota Volunteers" supporters group -- an informal group of very dedicated individuals who had already organized trips to several previous international events, including the World Cup. Many of "The Vols" signed up to become Outlaws as I began to promote the new chapter. In a nod to the organization's history among Minnesotan soccer supporters, their original logo is incorporated centrally in the new AO MSP logo, along with traditional American "stars and bars," the American Outlaws national logo, and a silhouette of a wolf to represent Minnesota's Northwoods and the passion with which soccer is supported in the area.

I subsequently designed logos for two other chapters, Indianapolis and Chicago. They may both be seen below.

As mentioned, I also volunteered to operate the chapter's website. The site, found at msp.theamericanoutlaws.com, serves as the chapter's main outreach tool. It includes an event listings section and serves as the chapter's blog. I have recently started to write unique content pieces for the website, including preview pieces on individual players as well as match reviews and other opinion pieces on the United States' soccer team. The site is updated 1-2 times per week with new articles, and will soon be expanded to feature two authors -- myself and another chapter member. (Please note: My pieces are noted in the by-line of each blog appearing on the site). Below are screenshots which link to the website.

Finally, I also have begun to design promotional merchandise for the MSP chapter. The innaugural and AO MSP chapter logo t-shirt (pictured below) was printed on a limited run (only 25 pieces) and was sold to interested founding members of the chapter. Future promotional materials will likely include a scarf, hooded sweatshirt, and other items. Please note that on the design below, the chapter logo is being printed so that it actually wraps around the abdomen/side of the t-shirt, finishing on the back side.