Adelaide United FC supporters can take a bow and spend the off season knowing their support of the club was of the highest calibre after Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced the Reds’ legion of fans as the inaugural winners of the Hyundai A-League Fan Group of the Year Award.
Voted on by a panel of football commentators and writers with votes based on key criteria including loyalty, creativity, passion and inclusivity, the Adelaide United faithful were decided as deserved recipients of the award, recognising them as the best fan group in the Hyundai A-League.
The accolade is a huge complement to not only Adelaide United-s official supporter group ‘The Red Army-, but all Reds fans who turned out in their droves to help their team rise from last place in 2009/10 to third on the table in 2010/11.
With an average home crowd nudging 11,000 this season, the Red Army was seen as the most loyal and passionate supporters in the Hyundai A-League.
As further acknowledgement of their passion and commitment to their team, the Red Army will receive a billboard for the start of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season in their city featuring Adelaide-s outstanding fan culture.
FFA CEO Ben Buckley congratulated the Red Army for their fantastic support of their team throughout the season.
“Fans are the lifeblood of the Hyundai A-League and we launched this award at the start of this year to celebrate the amazing contribution they make to the spectacle that is our competition,” Mr Buckley said.
“Adelaide United supporters have been fantastic and their passion and dedication set the bench mark this year in active support.”
“I would like to congratulate the Adelaide United fans for winning the award and thank the fans of all of the Hyundai A-League clubs for their dedicated, colourful and passionate support.
“We have the best fans of any sport in the country and the way they express themselves makes football standout. This award is our opportunity to celebrate that passion.”
Reds fans edged out the supporter groups of the Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar to claim the honour.
