Soccer. Futbol. Whatever you call it, Detroit and Hamtramck have something very special in the Detroit City FC.
Le Rouge as they’re affectionately known have garnered the loyal support of thousands – all without giant in-your-face ad buys, without network television deals. Just the heart and soul of Detroit embodied on a rehabbed Works Progress Administration-era Keyworth Field in the enclave of Hamtramck.
DCFC is, in so many ways, Detroit. Many of their players hold full-time jobs. After all, if you’ve ever seen the shirt “Detroit Hustles Harder,” we tend to think for most Detroiters it’s “Detroit Hustles/Side Hustles/Plus A Weekend Hustle” harder.
The field is located in a dense neighborhood, where people march through the streets to support their team. And sure, they don’t play in the highest league of the land – but that doesn’t matter, because it’s our team, funded in part by, supported by, the people.
Thanks to DCFC and photographer Jon DeBoer who has managed to capture magic in a frame, here are 18 photos you’ve got to see to understand just how special the club is.
Through the eyes of a child
High five!
Just add coney sauce and it’d be perfect
Bringing the family out
The energy of regular season games is like the big leagues playoff games
And of course, watching the game itself
Not to mention, did we say t-shirt cannons?
… and smoke bombs…
…and scarves, oh my!
The team raised funds with fans to renovate an old Works Progress Administration-era stadium (think when FDR was president)
If you want to, you better catch them before they’re gone for the season
Their final game of the season is a friendly match – appropriately against a team from Windsor – on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and you can grab them here.
Editor’s note: All photos used with written permission.
