Like many great ideas, this one came to be in a bar. Korey Donahoo and Justin Brunken would organize watch parties for the fans of the U.S. national team at local bars in Lincoln, Neb.

The idea grew, and Donahoo and Brunken took their dream out of the bar and assembled a group of fans to attend the USA’s international friendly against Brazil in Chicago. That was in 2007.

It’s 2014, and Donahoo, 31, is now the president of The American Outlaws. Boasting a membership of over 18,000, the Outlaws now travel to every U.S. match, filling the stadium. The group is easy to spot. They’re clad in red, wearing bandanas, and chanting incessantly.

Donahoo estimates he spends over 30 hours a week addressing the needs of the over 120 American Outlaws chapters across the nation. He’s currently putting the finishing touches on the group’s plans for the summer in Brazil, where 530 Outlaws will be on hand to support the U.S. during the 2014 World Cup.

“After the 2010 World Cup, we had the idea of chartering a plane to Brazil for 2014,” Donahoo said. “I thought maybe we could fill the plane in a few years. It filled up in a few hours.” Donahoo chartered two more planes, both filled in a matter of weeks.

The Outlaws have become woven into the fabric of U.S. soccer, and will be featured in ESPN promos leading into the World Cup.

http://youtu.be/6pjliE37ENY

When the U.S. took on Algeria in their final group match of the 2010 World Cup, the Outlaws lined up outside the stadium before the game to welcome the team bus.

“I remember [former U.S. manager] Bob Bradley saying that he had tears in his eyes from our support,” Donahoo said. “Hearing that — you know — it tells you that you’re making a difference.

“When the team scores, they look to run to our corner of the stadium to celebrate. Win or lose, they always come to thank us.”

The Outlaws have helped change the international experience for the U.S. — the team and the country.

Donahoo notes how home games are no longer a mix of casual and opposing fans, with a spattering of diehards. No, when the U.S. played Mexico earlier this month, University of Phoenix Stadium was filled with the voices of thousands chanting for the Americans in unison. Donahoo hopes Brazil will be no different.

“We’ll be at every game, ready to go.”