Supporters Corner

In this special section, we embark on a journey to connect with passionate supporters of our iconic club. Capturing the essence of what makes Royal Antwerp FC not just a football club, but a source of inspiration and joy for fans in the UK and across the globe. Grab your scarf, don your colours, and let’s dive into the collective heartbeat of RAFC supporters!

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Supporters Corner #1

Antwerp – the Club, the City – It truly stands out as the finest you can discover in Belgium.”

Dan Miles is born and raised in Bristol, in the heart of England’s embrace where the River Avon gently cradles its secrets, a vibrant city adorned with a melody of cobblestone streets and charming pubs nestled along the harbour side.

As a devoted family man, Dan proudly wears the badge of a father to two energetic boys. Juggling the responsibilities of providing for his family and a demanding office job, he finds excitement in his unwavering passion: Football.

Bristol City FC, the English national football team, and Royal Antwerp FC hold a special place as his ultimate football favourites. He enthusiastically declares, “I’ve been supporting Bristol City home and away since the age of 3; I couldn’t even begin to count the number of games I’ve attended over the years!”

ASC UK: How did you become a Royal Antwerp FC fan?

“In anticipation of the new season, Bristol City typically engages in pre-season friendlies against international teams. This was also the case in the summer of 2008 when we faced off against Royal Antwerp Football Club.” Recalling the encounter, Dan reflects, “I had heard of Antwerp, but honestly, I knew very little about the club at the time. As with any pre-season fixture, I expected a quiet game – no away fans – a couple of beers, and a bit of football on a warm summer afternoon.” Little did Dan know what awaited him… or how that August afternoon would profoundly alter his football life!

Dan continues his story with an excitement so typical for true football fans: “Out of the blue, more than 1,000 Antwerp fans turned up. They had been revelling and drinking in the city all day, taking over every waterfront bar in Bristol and transforming the city centre into a sea of excitement. Then, they turned up at the ground and it was just constant noise from the away-end.” Dan recollects with a smile, “From the very first minute to the last, the Antwerp supporters were simply relentless, a ceaseless chorus of songs and chants. The atmosphere for a pre-season friendly was absolutely electrifying – unbelievable, really.”

Dan adds with a laugh, “Despite Bristol City securing a 4-0 victory, the Antwerp fans couldn’t have cared less about the score. They just kept going, rallying behind their team throughout the entire game, creating an atmosphere that was absolutely brilliant and unlike anything I had ever witnessed before.”

From the very first minute to the last, the Antwerp supporters were simply relentless, a ceaseless chorus of songs and chants. The atmosphere for a pre-season friendly was absolutely electrifying – unbelievable, really.”

Inspired by this memorable encounter, Dan reached out to Wes, an Antwerp supporter from Belgium who shares Dan’s enthusiasm for the English national team. Following their connection, Wes invited Dan to come over and witness an Antwerp game at the Bosuil Stadium in Deurne, setting the stage for the blossoming of Dan’s deep affection for “The Great Old”.

ASC UK: How would you describe your first experience watching an Antwerp game at the Bosuil Stadium?

“In February 2010, during Antwerp’s tenure in the second division, I attended a game against RFC de Liège, which Antwerp won 2-0. I was completely captivated,” Dan reminisces. “For my inaugural match, I found myself seated opposite the famous Stand 2 (Tribune 2), and the passionate atmosphere emanating from there was magical. It evoked memories of my experiences in Bristol, and in that moment, I felt a charm that sealed my everlasting love for Royal Antwerp FC.”

Dan’s affection for RAFC extends beyond the football pitch, intertwining with his admiration for the city of Antwerp. “It fascinated me to forge such a strong connection with a club, especially during their stint in the second division. Yet, it’s not just the club; it’s also about the city,” Dan passionately asserts. As a genuine ambassador for Antwerp, he elaborates, “Antwerp is an absolutely fantastic place. While people often talk about Brussels, Ghent, or Bruges when discussing Belgium, in my opinion, Antwerp reigns supreme. The city is alive with activity, and stands out as the ultimate destination for those who like to socialise in pubs and enjoy a vibrant day or night out. It should be the first choice for anyone planning to visit Belgium!”

ASC UK: As someone from England, does the rich English legacy and historical background of Royal Antwerp FC strengthen your sense of connection to the club?

“Absolutely. Reflecting on that first Antwerp game at Ashton Gate, what struck me immediately was that nearly all the songs were in English. Interestingly, those chants mirrored the classic, old-school English chants, transporting me back to the terraces of late 80s England.”

“Also, I noticed many supporters proudly carried flags displaying Saint George’s Crosses adorned with ‘Antwerp’, and numerous fans sported T-shirts featuring the England flag with ‘RAFC’ in the corners. It’s quite remarkable to witness how the historical link to the English founders and DNA still profoundly shapes the identity of Antwerp fans.”

ASC UK: As a devoted football enthusiast, you attend numerous games in England, including the Premier League, and have ventured to various European destinations such as Germany. How would you rate the Antwerp fans and the atmosphere at Antwerp games in comparison to your experiences elsewhere?

”On the whole, I believe there has been a shift, and the atmosphere in stadiums across continental Europe is now considerably more passionate than what you encounter in England. It also has to do with the change in stadiums where they went for all seated, that lost something of the true spirit.”

“But I think Antwerp FC has kept the noise and kept the tradition of that raw feeling. For example, the spectacle of the entire stand rising in excitement and rallying behind the team creates an incredible ecstatic feeling, something you don’t witness as frequently elsewhere anymore.”

“In other European countries – like Borussia Dortmund in Germany for instance – you also encounter extraordinary support and an electrifying atmosphere from fans during football games. At the moment for Antwerp it’s maybe difficult to replicate the exact decibel levels due to the smaller crowds in an unfinished stadium, but man-on-man, one-on-one, the Antwerp crowd is up there with the best support you see on any pitch and in any football stadium, they just keep on going, it doesn’t matter if they are winning or losing, and that makes me such a huge fan.”

The Antwerp crowd is up there with the best support you see on any pitch and in any football stadium.”

ASC UK: How did you experience the historical Double last season?

“Well, one thing that massively stands out for me is what an amazing achievement that has been, especially knowing where the club comes from recently. What added to my joy was when Wes reached out after the semi-final, asking if I wanted to attend the final; well of course I was!” Dan goes on to vividly recount the exhilarating atmosphere at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels during the match against KV Mechelen, “Attending the Cup Final was an absolute highlight. The noise, the passion, the chants – everything was perfect, and it capped off the season… If only we knew that the true climax of the season was yet to unfold!”

“I was truly devastated that I couldn’t attend the match where Antwerp clinched the title; The events that transpired on that day were a mix of pure chaos and football ecstasy. Everybody in England was talking about that one, and it was all over social media. I was getting messages from mates ‘Jesus Christ did you just see that?!’ and I think that definitely also put Antwerp on the map.”

“Off the back of that, also qualifying for the Champions League, Antwerp suddenly shines there among the best teams in Europe, in a competition that is followed by millions all over the world. Royal Antwerp FC is building to becoming a household name.”

ASC UK: How do you look at Belgian football as a result of following Antwerp, and how would you assess the quality of football in the Jupiler Pro League?

“Undoubtedly, supporting Antwerp has led me to become more familiar with the various teams in Belgium and delve deeper into their dynamics. Before my allegiance to Antwerp, I felt the Belgian league was somewhat overlooked, but now I actively follow it and find it to be quite an exciting competition.”

As for the title-winning process in Belgium, Dan expresses some reservations, stating, “I still find it confusing how the title is determined. Coming from England, it’s straightforward: first place equals winning the title, you know.” He adds, “I might be a bit of a traditionalist, and, for me, if you’re on top at the end of the season, you’ve won it. Perhaps I’m still grappling with my feelings about the Play-offs because, obviously, last season brought unprecedented excitement, and ultimately, that’s what football is all about.”

While Anderlecht and Bruges have traditionally represented Belgium at the pinnacle of European football in past decades, I believe it is now Royal Antwerp’s turn to shine.”

ASC UK: Looking into the future, how do you see Royal Antwerp growing and the club evolving?

“I would love them to see their ground sorted, to finish the stadium, increase the capacity and get bums on seats. The current limited capacity is undoubtedly hindering further development, particularly on the European stage.”

“Looking ahead, I envision Antwerp dominating the national league and becoming a regular contender in European competitions, including the Champions League. Based on what we witnessed this season, I anticipate a repeat performance in the years to come. While Anderlecht and Bruges have traditionally represented Belgium at the pinnacle of European football in past decades, I believe it is now Royal Antwerp’s turn to shine.”

ASC UK: About the Antwerp Supporters Club here in the UK, how did you discover us and how would you like to see us progress as a Fanclub for RAFC?

“It was actually Wes’ wife who told me about it, she suggested that joining the Antwerp Supporters Club here in England would be fantastic for me. I was delighted to find a local hub for Antwerp fans and to become part of a like-minded community here in the UK.”

Regarding the future advancement of the ASC UK, Dan says, “Going forward, it would be great to have the opportunity to arrange trips to games and witness Antwerp in action more frequently. Like many others, I was desperate to find a ticket to attend the match against Barcelona at the Bosuil Stadium, but unfortunately, it proved to be an impossible task.”

Given that ASC UK members are spread across the country, from Leeds to Manchester, Birmingham to London, and Bristol to Portsmouth, it’s not easy to assemble regularly. However, Dan affirms the value of the Club House close to London, stating, “I’m also excited about starting annual meet-ups with all our Red & White lads!”

Don’t worry, Dan; The goal of ASC UK is indeed to bring together RAFC fans here in England and beyond. Thank you for the interview, and we anticipate gathering at an upcoming Antwerp game… chanting “Come on You Reds!”