2024 Supporter of the Year Nominees

The Supporter of the Year award, now in its third year, seeks to highlight an individual's exceptional contributions to the Capital City Supporters Group. These contributions can take many forms, including attendance at events, volunteer time, content generation, and more. A few notes before we introduce you to each of these nominees for 2024. The only group explicitly not eligible for nomination are the executives (2 of whom are previous recipients of this award), as they will select the final winner. We have so many volunteers who contribute to our group each year, and this is but a brief and non-exhaustive list of some of the largest contributors to the supporters scene in Ottawa in 2024. There are many more capos, writers, and volunteers who have all made 2024 a success from an organizational standpoint, and we would like to thank them all in turn. While not nominated for this award, some of these volunteers include:

Capos (Chant Leaders)

• Shayne Wilkinson
• Billy Strathdee
• Nelson Mahmoudi
• Dan Atasiei

Ben Ralph: Lead Writer of The Forward Press

Chelsey Girard: Lead Writer of Matchday in Review

Matt Hajjar: Social Media Volunteer and Highlight Video Editor

Johnny McArthur: Editor, Producer and lead of the ATO: After the Whistle Podcast

Beyond the many distinguished names above, a few individuals have stood out among the rest. The winner from among them will present the Golden Scarf at the final game this year on October 19th, along with receiving a foil set of the 2024 player cards and a commemorative stein. With the stakes set, let’s dive in to the nominees for 2024 Supporter of the Year: 

Alina Kassam - The Capo Extraordinaire and Recruiter

A vital game-day leader, Alina’s tenure as a CAPO has not always been easy. Since volunteering in 2023, she has shown immense growth in her ability to lead cheers and act as an ambassador for CCSG and the team as a whole. Her skills with the megaphone are only matched by her kind and friendly attitude toward everyone and her fearless support of the team. Always quick to either bring a friend or make a new one, Alina exemplifies what is needed to grow supporter culture in the Capital.

Joey Huneault - The Podcaster and Watch Party Leader

Perhaps better known as Joey “y’know’ to fans of the After the Whistle Podcast, Joey’s contributions to the group this year have been in two key areas. Most obviously, Joey has stepped up to take a key role co-hosting CCSG’s flagship podcast, ATO: After the Whistle. Additionally, he has acted as the head of watch parties for the group, coming up with pre-game activities to help engage members and bring excitement to every game at the Glebe Central Pub. 

Patrick Gibson - The Ever Present Soul and Fixer

You may recognize Patrick Gibson, even if you aren’t familiar with his name, as he has been at nearly every CCSG event for 2024. Watch parties, game days, field trips to York, Hamilton, Carleton, and Ottawa; Patrick has been there for it all. His weekly player ratings have given insight into every performance of 2024, and his constant engagement has given so much life to CCSG this year. While he sits further up in the dub, his voice is always heard, and any time anything needs to be done, Patrick is the first volunteer. First to show up on game day to set up and last to tear down after the match, he truly is CCSG’s own Fixer. 

Phil Larivière - CCSG’s Designer and Photographer

This year, CCSG sought to create a wide range of merchandise for members and fans. As the lead designer for the group, he made many great things possible. The Player Cards were largely a result of his efforts, as were the new scarves, which have been made widely available, so every member and fan has access to an SG scarf for the first time (these remain in stock should you still need to grab yours). His visual talents don't stop there; as the CCSG's official photographer, Phil has also been responsible for capturing many memorable moments for the group (including most of the photos used here). Phil has kept us looking the best we can all through 2024.

Alexander Brazier Rymek - The Editor and Social Media Volunteer

You may know him from his By The Numbers series, or from his online presence. Alex has been integral to CCSG’s online activities in 2024, acting as head editor for all written content on our website, from Player Ratings to the Forward Press and Matchday in Review. Despite many challenges in the space, he has also stepped up to lead the social media team. It has allowed for the maintenance and expansion of CCSG’s online footprint and has directly supported all of our events, content and much more.  

We thank each of the nominees for their key contributions this year, and look forward to announcing the Supporter of the Year just before the match on October 19th. We hope to see you there!