Moving Mountains
Emily Robb, USA
Goal Click is collaborating with U.S. Soccer on a new storytelling series as part of the Keeping Score of What Matters campaign. The series will spotlight untold stories within clubs, organizations, and communities supported by Soccer Forward, focusing on the diverse ecosystem of soccer and its use as a force for good.
Appalachian FC is a men’s semi-professional soccer club based in Boone, North Carolina, supported by the passionate Squatch Guard.
Emily Robb is a founder of the Squatch Guard, bringing energy and creativity to the wider Appalachian FC community.
My name is Emily Robb. I was born in Roswell, Georgia, making me a true Georgia Peach. I now live just outside Boone, North Carolina. My husband, Ben, and I built our house back in 2004, away from the hustle and bustle of Appalachian State University, where I went to college. Currently, I am a stay-at-home mama to my 16-year-old son, Quentin Morris.
When Appalachian State University discontinued its men’s soccer program during the COVID-19 pandemic, it left a void in the community. There was no longer an opportunity to watch and support high-level men’s soccer locally. In response, Appalachian FC was formed as a men’s semi-professional team made up of college players and young adults from around the world.
For our small mountain community, it was an incredible way to move forward after the pandemic, rally around a legitimate soccer club, and create a pathway for local youth players to participate, watch, dream big, and come together as friends.
And what does a semi-professional soccer team need? Fans. That is how the Squatch Guard came into my world.
The Squatch Guard
Appalachian FC adopted the Sasquatch as its mascot, a perfect fit for a forested mountain community where a Sasquatch might feel right at home. The legend of Sasquatch is deeply rooted in Appalachian culture, making it an easy choice.
Early on, we came up with the slogan “Protect These Woods,” and then turned our attention to what this bunch of soccer nerds should call ourselves. After tossing around several ideas, we sent a poll to friends and family. Squatch Watch finished a close second, but Squatch Guard won out. From there we started creating T-shirts, scarves, flags, stickers, koozies, and all the other fun supporter gear. The proceeds helped fund charitable donations and eventually allowed us to purchase tents, tables, annual shirt designs, smoke, megaphones, drums, tailgate supplies, and everything else needed to build a true supporters’ group.
I am one of the founders of the Squatch Guard. I was originally voted in as treasurer, but now, six years later, my role is largely focused on communication between our supporters’ group and Appalachian FC. On game days, I load up my vehicle with the tents, merchandise, flags, smoke, and all the other essentials needed to create the gameday atmosphere.
What started as a way to support a new soccer club has grown into something much bigger. The Squatch Guard helps create an environment that is welcoming, energetic, and community-focused while supporting Appalachian FC and helping strengthen the connections that make our region special.
The success of App FC and the Squatch Guard really comes from our small community’s shared passion for soccer. It gave the local community something different and exciting to rally around. A league was born that gave younger kids hope and role models to look up to.
Showing Up
As the Squatch Guard, our role is to help create a welcoming, fun, and safe environment at Appalachian FC matches for all members of our community, young and old. Over the years, we have raised funds for organizations such as the Blue Ridge Conservancy, Hospitality House, and the Health and Hunger Coalition through food drives.
Community outreach has always been a huge focus for us. A portion of every Squatch Guard membership was donated to a cause we selected at the beginning of each season, with a check presented at the end of the year.
The Squatch Guard also likes to show up for the community in other ways, like marching in the Christmas parade, supporting local high school soccer games, and hosting watch parties at local bars and restaurants for away matches. Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, it was a really tough time for many of us. I could not be prouder of our members who helped in many ways, however they could.
Every year, we create a custom tifo that hangs on the hillside next to the field for everyone to see, and we host tifo-making parties to get the community involved behind the scenes as well. The benefits of being a Squatch Guardian far outweigh anything else, and we welcome loud, passionate, like-minded people to represent the masses.
At this point, it has also become my family. Working and playing alongside some of the best people in the world is just another perk.
Soccer Nerds
What stands out most about the App FC community is the togetherness, respect, creativity, and camaraderie between the players, fans, coaches, and the community. That old saying that there is no “I” in team is true, and the Squatch Guard would not be successful (or nearly as fun) without everyone working together.
At the end of the day, we are just a bunch of soccer nerds who love watching and talking about the game. One of our favorite traditions happens after every match, win or lose, when the players come over and high-five the front row of the bleachers. It is really special for the fans and players to connect on such a personal level.
I show up because I truly love the game, both on and off the field. The people I met six years ago on the very same soccer field that App FC now plays, have become my people, my friends, and my family. It has been such a pleasure to work and play alongside some of the kindest humans I have ever met.
