Our First Tifo
What is Tifo?
Tifo (Italian: [ˈtiːfo]) refers to choreographed visual displays created by fans in the stands during football (soccer) matches. These displays often include flags, banners, and signs, and are especially common in important games, local derbies, and intense rivalries. They are most often organized and designed by the most dedicated and passionate of supporters and then hand painted.
Tifo or painting parties are a great opportunity for supporters to bond, laugh, brainstorm for new ideas and of course complain about our aches and pains as we paint, most often on our hands and knees on the ground.
How the process starts…
First, we come up with some ideas and then make up some graphics. Sometimes this is the easiest part and sometimes it is the hardest part. With such a great collective of people we have been able to have lots of ideas to pull from.
Preparation time…
Then, we gather and sew the fabric needed and use an amazing program created by a supporter to project and trace the graphics onto fabric.
Time to paint…
Painting is a fun and messy time. It can be a bit tedious and when painting on the ground. Your body gets sore quickly and you are constantly battling with numb limbs, but the vision starts to come together once the painting begins. There was music, drinks and snacks to keep us happy and hydrated.
Day 1 of Painting
Day 2 of Painting
Day 3 of Painting
Day 4 of Painting
Practice Deployment and Setup
The Big Reveal
Many Thanks…
A huge thank you to everyone who helped to make all of this happen for us including tracing and studio space of Erin Templeton, Total Spirit Cheerleading Inc who gave us space for our painting and storage, the Sisters Supporters Group for some funds and donations and the many volunteers.
Another thanks for the hours of prep, painting and tracing done by all the volunteers: Amanda, Carol, Darcie, Gail, Gina, Kiki, Kyrsten, Laura, Lee, Mel, Mike, Nicole, Robin, Sam, Tanya, Tracy and Yvette.
If you want to join in for our next project, join our Discord and keep an eye on the railing-banners-tifo channel to be kept in the loop. We had lots of first time volunteers this time and they all did an amazing job. There is space for everyone to help, so if it is your first time or 100th time, we would love to have you come out and join us!