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Members from the Swanguardians group discuss what it’s like being a fan of TSS Rovers and soccer at League1 level.

If you’ve ever been to a TSS Rovers match in League1 BC, you’ll have seen the Swanguardians with their signs, songs, and smoke, all in support of the players on the field.

The Swanguardians are the supporters’ group for the Rovers and named after their club’s famous home, Swangard Stadium, which has previously hosted the Vancouver Whitecaps and national team matches.

While it’s all smiles when the Rovers are winning, soccer means more to the group than the full-time result, with many giving back to the club by becoming fan-owners through the club’s fundraising campaign.

Chris Corrigan has been a proud member of the group since 2017, composing chants, designing tifos, and showing the fans’ support for the players on the field.

“I believe in this level of the game, especially on the women’s side,” he said. “Supporting these players in their transition from youth to professional is a critical way to improve our game, and I do this through being an owner of TSS Rovers and being an active Swanguardian because we build community through our activity.

“We are devoted to our players and our club and we have attended every match TSS Rovers have ever played in League1 BC and the Canadian Championship. We gather at home and away in our section, fly our banners and flags, and have an extensive repertoire of chants and songs.

“The best part about League1 is the accessibility of the teams and players, and the ability to make a difference with everything you offer.”

Robert Grenda also joined in 2017, struck by the Rovers’ ambitions to field an all-Canadian team that would showcase the potential for soccer talent in BC and across the country.

He has made a community of friends through the Swanguardians, and several fond memories of matchdays gone by.

“The matchday can start early, especially on a weekend. We would usually gather in Central Park [next to the stadium] for a BBQ and discussion about the upcoming game.

“Moving into Swangard we will help with setup and ensure our stand behind the goal is adorned with our banners and tifo. Being at Swangard always feels special on matchdays, no matter what, and we have had some of our most memorable moments so far in this stadium.

“During games there is a lot of chanting, singing and discussions. Chants are always very organic and unique; we even break out into a rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ at the 75-minute mark of each game. And if there are goals there is smoke and lots of it.

“After games we always get a chance to see our players and even get to chat to them. People should come to games to be able to say, ‘I saw this person play in League1 before they went to play for this big team.’ We already have had numerous players go onto professional contracts in the CPL and beyond.

“With the backdrop of looking at the skyline of North Shore Mountains, Swangard is a truly magical place.”

Bruce Shearer is another key person behind the matchday experience. He volunteers for the Rovers as the in-house DJ and audio supervisor, and last year increased his responsibilities by operating the score clock.

“It’s a family first club, with a fun and friendly atmosphere, and it continues to grow. It’s a really great group of supporters and you’ll see them at home and away.

“Joining the Swangaurdians gave me the opportunity to be part of a club at the start of its journey and to help grow the game in BC.

“It’s a great level of the game to watch. Now with the professional pathway in Canada, you can see the highest level of talent in the province before they go off to other clubs in other cities and countries.

“Plus, they let me DJ in the stadium.”

The TSS Rovers story isn’t just attracting locals. Richard is a born and bred British Columbian but now lives in Toronto, yet he is still able to be a big part of the Swanguardians from afar.

“I can’t attend games, so I watch every livestream I can and participate in a supporters group chat during and between matches.

“I wanted to feel like a part of something, more than being a fan, with a real stake in it and more sports teams should do it.

“It’s fun, quality football with ardent supporters who bring songs and smoke. I can’t wait to attend my first match; it has never worked out that I’m in British Columbia at the same time as a match but one day I will be.”

When asked about what they are looking forward to most about this upcoming season, there was a similar theme among all their answers.

“Our Canadian Championship run,” said Chris. “If we win in Winnipeg, we play the Whitecaps home and away and that prospect is thrilling.

“But I also love supporting our team at home and on the road. Away trips to Altitude, Kamloops and Nanaimo are highlights of the year and we have two new teams coming into the league this year with which we can develop rivalries.”

But first, all eyes are on the League1 BC kick-off at Swangard.

“Getting back to Swangard,” added Robert, when asked about what he was looking forward to. “Hanging out in a community of friends, and seeing some local grassroots soccer.”