Tom Farmer ran for president of Louisville City FC’s largest supporters group while aiming “to keep The Coopers at or above the condition we’re at today,” with an organized membership of roughly 350.
But having previously served as a board member, Farmer saw the toll that stadium setup, cheering and teardown can take on LouCity’s boisterous fans. They haul in barrels and march to the match at least 15 times a year.
“There are some cases where people are feeling like it’s becoming more work than it is fun,” said Farmer, who learned over the weekend he’d won the Coopers’ presidential election. “If we’re not having fun, we’re doing something wrong. That’s one of my key points — make sure everyone’s having a good time.”
With that in mind, Farmer said he’ll focus on improving the Coopers’ game day logistics. It helps that familiar faces, such as former president Timothy Clark (treasurer) and longtime capo Alex Miner (vice president), will serve on the supporters group’s board.
Farmer encouraged would-be Coopers members to visit LouisvilleCoopers.com. One-year memberships costs $25 and include a number of benefits, among them the group’s scarf and 2017 pin.
The Coopers, named after bourbon barrel makers, exist to spread the word about soccer and — specifically — LouCity in the local community. Farmer said they’ll do so next year through increased attention on the “Angel’s Share,” their charity arm, as well as improved partnerships with local bars and restaurants that could broadcast United Soccer League games.
Farmer, who grew up in eastern Kentucky before attending the University of Louisville, has worked for the last 11 years at Humana. He attended his first LouCity game during the club’s inaugural season and was instantly hooked. Now, he’s a fixture behind the West goal at Slugger Field.
Though not all fans in sections 121-125 are Coopers members, Farmer emphasized that while cheering on the boys in purple, “We’re one big family.”
