Small but mighty.

As a record-breaking crowd took in the Ottawa Fury's inaugural game at TD Place Sunday, it was clear their fan base is growing in more ways than one.

Among the die-hard fans and people checking out the new venue was a horde of kids in their own soccer uniforms, parents in tow and bouncing with excitement to be at a first pro match.

"I love soccer -- this is my first one," said 10-year-old Joshua Cheruvathur in the seconds before kick-off, knowing that at half-time he and his teammates from the West Ottawa Soccer Club would be on the same field showing off their own skills.

"I didn't think it could happen like this."

"It's just fantastic, awesome" said his dad, Shaiju, impressed by the team's digs and electric atmosphere as fans hoisted a beer bought from a legion of hawkers, lined up to buy Fury scarves and sang along to a rousing O Canada.

It's all the kids have been talking about for weeks, said West Ottawa coach Ray Crane.

He thinks the new stadium, the recent World Cup and the growing number of girls and boys playing soccer _ which is relatively cheap compared to hockey -- came together to draw a crowd and will keep interest running high.

"Soccer in Ottawa is growing," Crane said. "People are proud to have a team like this in our community. The lights, the field -- it looks really, really nice."

Jon Roberts of Rockland pointed to another plus as his seven and five-year-old soccer fans horsed around with their giant foam fingers at their first Fury game.

"You can bring the family out to the game without going broke," he said. "A lot of people are ready to have a great time."

No one more than the Bytown Boys -- who donned Fury gear to chant, wave banners and generally pump up more game-goers than ever before.

"I hope it's like this every game," Dani Sdao said.

"Lots of different cultures here, all watching," he added. "That's the appeal of soccer. It may not be so big in Canada but around the world it's really huge."

But Sdao predicts the game will win over this country because it's now one of the most-played sports for our youngsters.

"You hope these kids continue on and eventually end up on the field here," he said.

megan.gillis@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @ottawasun_megan