So, you’re diving into the world of Sunderland AFC and keep hearing the same phrases, names, and places thrown around? Whether you’re a new supporter or a seasoned fan looking to brush up, this glossary breaks down the essential terminology surrounding the club’s fan clubs and global supporter network. From the local haunts to the far-flung branches, here’s your guide to speaking the language of a Sunderland AFC fan.
A Love Supreme
One of the most famous and influential fanzines in British football, born in 1989. It’s more than just a magazine; it’s an institution, offering fiercely independent commentary, satire, and passion that perfectly captures the spirit of SAFC supporters. Its name is a testament to the unwavering, almost spiritual, devotion of the fanbase.
Branch Liaison Council (BLC)
The official collective that represents all the officially recognised SAFC supporter branches worldwide. The BLC acts as a crucial bridge between the club and its dispersed fanbase, ensuring branches have a direct line to the club for tickets, events, and communication, helping to coordinate the global red and white family.
Dubai Black Cats
A prominent official supporters' branch based in the United Arab Emirates. It exemplifies the global reach of Sunderland AFC, connecting expatriate and local fans in the region for match viewings, social events, and fostering a sense of home thousands of miles from the Stadium of Light.
Far East Supporters Association (FESA)
A key umbrella group for the many official supporter clubs across Asia, including branches in countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Japan. FESA helps organise tours for fans to travel to away matches and ensures supporters in this vast region are connected to the heart of the club.
London and Southern England Branch
One of the largest and most active official supporters' branches outside the North East. It provides a vital hub for exiled Mackems living in the capital and the south, arranging travel to games, regular meet-ups, and ticket support for both home and away fixtures.
Mackem
The affectionate and proud term for a native of Sunderland and, by extension, a Sunderland AFC supporter. The origins are debated (often linked to shipbuilding phrases "make 'em" and "take 'em"), but its use is a badge of honour for fans, distinguishing them from their rivals.
Madrid Mackems
An official supporters' branch in Spain's capital, showcasing the European spread of the SAFC fanbase. Like other international branches, they gather to watch games, create a local community for travelling fans, and fly the flag for the Black Cats in La Liga territory.
New York Red and Whites
A thriving official supporters' branch based in New York City, USA. They bring a taste of Wearside to the Big Apple, hosting regular match-day gatherings at a local pub and uniting American-based fans and ex-pats under the red and white stripes.
Official Supporters' Branch
A fan club formally recognised by Sunderland AFC. These branches, found across the UK and worldwide, receive support from the club with tickets and merchandise, and in return, they organise travel, social events, and promote the club in their local area.
Red and White Army (RAWA)
A phrase that collectively describes the entire Sunderland AFC fanbase. It’s also the name of the club’s independent supporters' group, which works on behalf of all fans on issues like ticket pricing, safe standing, and fan representation, ensuring the supporters' voice is heard by figures like Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Roker Rapport
A popular and respected fan podcast and online media channel. Produced by supporters for supporters, it provides analysis, interviews, and fan-focused content, becoming a key digital meeting point for the global SAFC community to discuss everything from the Academy of Light to the latest match reports.
Seattle Black Cats
An official supporters' branch on the USA's west coast. Part of a strong North American network, they connect fans in the Pacific Northwest, proving that you can find the sound of Sunderland chants echoing from Seattle to Sunderland.
Sunderland AFC Disabled Supporters Association (SADSA)
A vital organisation dedicated to ensuring fans with disabilities have full access to support the team. They work closely with the club to improve facilities at the Stadium of Light and away grounds, and provide a community for members.
Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association
The historic, overarching body that originally helped coordinate the club's many supporter branches. While its role has evolved, it represents the deep-rooted tradition of organised fan groups that has been part of the club's fabric for decades.
Toronto Black Cats
The official SAFC supporters' branch in Toronto, Canada. A central part of the growing Canadian fan scene, they organise viewings for early-morning kick-offs and are a testament to the club's international appeal far beyond EFL League One or Championship football.
Travel Groups
Organised coaches or minibuses, often run by supporter branches or independent operators, that ferry fans to away matches across the country. These journeys are a core part of the matchday experience, filled with camaraderie, anticipation, and of course, a repertoire of fan chants and songs.
Ulster Branch
One of the longest-established and most passionate official supporters' branches, representing fans across Northern Ireland. Their dedication is legendary, with many making the regular sea and road journey to the Stadium of Light, embodying the "no distance too far" attitude of the support.
Wise Men Say
Another leading fan podcast and media outlet, known for its insightful analysis and interviews. Alongside Roker Rapport, it forms a key part of the modern fan media landscape, offering deep dives into tactics, the Academy of Light, and the latest from the SOL.
Yorkshire Branch
A large and active official branch covering the Yorkshire region. It serves a huge population of exiled Mackems, coordinating transport to home games for those who make the cross-Pennine pilgrimage and proving that the red and white heart beats strong beyond the North East.
From the local pubs of Sunderland to the skyscrapers of New York and the beaches of Dubai, the network of Sunderland AFC fan clubs is what truly makes the club special. This global Red and White Army, connected through official branches, podcasts, and associations, ensures that wherever you are in the world, you’re never far from fellow supporters. It’s this unwavering, organised passion that forms the bedrock of the club, a constant through every season and every chapter of the Sunderland AFC story.
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