RENO, Nev. – Make your way toward Section 102 at Greater Nevada Field, where the Battle Born Brigade calls its home for Reno 1868 FC home games, and in addition to the noise being created through songs and drums, the biggest thing you might notice is the variety of ages and backgrounds that make up the group.

According to BBB member Drew Hall that was the goal from the inception of the group, and the club.

“We absolutely try to make this a family atmosphere,” Hall said during 1868 FC’s most recent home game against San Antonio FC. “We include everybody, anybody’s welcome in our section, anybody’s welcome to come party with us. … It’s a great family atmosphere that we’re creating for everyone in the stadium.”

On the night SAFC visited Reno, in addition to the regulars that have formed the group’s backbone, there were players from the University of Nevada-Reno’s basketball and soccer teams mingling in the section. At halftime, a youngster sitting in their parent’s lap took over on the drum, while new friends and acquaintances were being made around them.

For the likes of Hall, a native of England, and Hunter Leach, a Reno native, the way Reno’s community has embraced its new club has been tremendous to see.

“It’s incredible,” said Leach. “We have a lot of transplants here in Reno, people who have moved here from all over, all of us soccer fans, and we never really thought we’d would get a team here. To have this team, and to see the support it has already in its first season to where we’re in the top 10 for attendance and are doing so well, it’s more than anyone would have expected. It’s incredible.”