Clubs with exclusive membership are very exciting. They build your status in the world, make you feel elite, and allow you to look down upon the peons of the world. Just like in Yes Man, where we learned the value of an exclusive membership to Costco and what prestige that adds to your life, American supporters have a bevy of choices of USMNT fan clubs that they too can join. Our personal favorite at Constantly Offside is featured today, that being The American Outlaws.

Exclusive in the fact that you both have to pull for the US men's national team and that you have to pay a tiny fifteen dollars, American Outlaws have some great things going for them. One that they do not have is the ability to purchase bulk containers of condiments and toilet paper, like Costco. First we look at where it all came from. “The American Outlaws started in Lincoln, NE as a local supporters group. Throwing viewing parties at local bars and attending every game possible sparked excitement amongst some of the leaders of the group, who felt like they could do more.  In attending these games, a lack of consistency was observed from game to game with regard to the level of supporter organization, particularly with events surrounding the game (ie tailgates, parties, etc.).  We then decided to make AO a nationwide, non-profit supporter group.” First off, Nebraska isn't a hotbed for soccer, so you know these guys are dedicated and legit. Second, who doesn't want to band together with their friends and pull for the Red, White, and Blue? My favorite US game experiences, both if I am there in person or watching on TV are when I am with my boys, cheering, yelling, swearing at Bob Bradley and his substitutions, and dancing joyously after Jozy pops one in the ole onion bag. American Outlaws helps you do that. They have nifty little chapters, with some requirements to ensure that each chapter is not only legit, but making a splash on the scene and that US fans have somewhere to watch the game. Of course not everywhere has a chapter, but that is part of the fun, building your own.

So how do you become a member? So easily and quickly. You can head here to join now but I will give you a brief overview of the benefits. First, you get a sick shirt and bandanna. How does one become an outlaw? With a bandanna covering their face obviously. How does one become an American Outlaw? With a dope American flag bandanna that lets everyone know you mean business. The shirt is super clean too. If that wasn't enough, here is what else comes with it.

“• Discounts on Tickets to the supporters section of each US game
• Membership benefits at events such as tailgates, viewing parties, etc.
• Free gifts from great companies such as NIKE”

Wow, that sounds really nice, I'm sold. Oh wait, there is more, recently Continental Airlines has partnered with the Outlaws to give members discounts on flights to and from US matches. So legit. So what will this cost me? An arm and a leg? Certainly not. How about a whole FIFTEEN dollars? Do you feel as bad as I do that I'm borderline stealing from these good people at this price? I mean honestly. It's too good to be true, except it is true. Incredibly true.

They even have a forum for you to share your love, and a dandy blog to keep you up to date on everything USMNT. We at Constantly Offside certainly enjoy covering the lads of the National Team, but we recognize good work when we see it, and our friends at The Shin Guardian are doing just that. They have been adopted as the official blog of The American Outlaws, which says a lot about their coverage and its quality. You can check out TSG in our links page, or clicking on the link above. Check out their campaign to get Bill Simmons to RFK stadium for the final US qualifier in October and do your part to let Bill know that he should be there. Then buy yourself a ticket too as this game has huge implications for the USMNT next summer.

Now I must confess, as a huge national team supporter that I am more then slightly embarrassed that I have not joined a supporters club yet. However, today is the day and that I, Biggy, will sign up. Slight pause for about two minutes, and I'm back and officially a member! Well, once my echeck clears. Then you can holla at me under the screen name Biggy. The sign up process couldn't be easier, and I couldn't be more stoked. After all, who doesn't want to be an outlaw?