Arsenal Canada — Regional Branch Setup Package
First off, thank you for reaching out! The prospect of bringing an official Arsenal home to your region has all of us at Arsenal Canada genuinely excited.
Our mission is simple: to bring the magic of Highbury and the Emirates to every corner of Canada. Regional branches are the heart and soul of our community. They transform early Saturday mornings and high-stakes Champions League midweeks into unforgettable collective experiences for local Gooners.
We want to make starting a branch straightforward, while ensuring you have everything you need to build something vibrant, sustainable, and fun.
Who We Are
Founded in 2005 and officially incorporated as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) in 2023, Arsenal Canada is the official, recognized overseas supporters club for Arsenal FC in Canada. We are 100% volunteer-run by passionate Gooners across the country. Our leadership team meets regularly with Arsenal FC to ensure we uphold club standards, represent Canadian supporters, and amplify the voice of Gooners nationwide.
The Branch Support Team
You will not be doing this alone. You have a dedicated team supporting you every step of the way:
Sam (Ontario)
Sid (Primary Contact - All Canada)
We are here to coach you, provide resources, and help you establish a lively, inclusive, and "Gooner-first" environment in your city.
The Branch Blueprint: Requirements & Process
We believe in keeping administrative hurdles low so you can focus on what matters most: building your local community.
1. General Guidelines & Criteria
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Regional Scope | One official branch per metro area (larger regions may partner with multiple pubs as they grow). |
| No Cover Charge | Watching Arsenal with fellow fans must always be free of charge at your official pub location. |
| Leadership Team | At least two co-organizers (we strongly recommend three or more) to share matchday and administrative duties. |
| Dedicated Venue | A reliable, welcoming local pub or venue that commits to showing Arsenal matches with sound whenever possible. |
| Local Identity | A unique local branch logo and active local social media accounts (Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, etc.). |
| Community Integrity | A commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere representing Arsenal FC with pride. |
2. Support & Resources Provided by Arsenal Canada
Official Pub Signage: We will design and ship an official Arsenal Canada Designated Pub Sign to display proudly at your local venue.
National Visibility: Full feature and directory listing on the official Arsenal Canada website and national social channels.
Organizer Network: Access to our private, branch-leader WhatsApp network to swap ideas, share advice, and connect with other branch leaders.
Mentorship Buddy System: Direct pairing with an experienced leader from an existing branch to share matchday best practices.
Marketing & Promo Support: Assistance with graphics, event promotion, and amplification for your launch and key matchdays.
3. Expectations for Branch Organizers
Consistent Matchday Energy: Host regular watch parties and maintain active local communications to keep fans informed.
National Event Participation: Participate in at least one national Arsenal Canada event or competition per year (e.g., fantasy leagues, prediction challenges, or charity drives).
Regular Communication: Keep in touch with the Branch Support team and join periodic check-ins.
Next Steps: Moving Forward
Confirm Your Core Team: Ensure you have at least two co-organizers ready to lead the effort together.
Scout Local Venues: Identify 1–2 potential local spots in your area that would be thrilled to host Gooners on matchdays.
Schedule a Call: Reply to let us know when you are ready for a quick 15-minute introductory chat with our team, or if you would like to be introduced to an existing branch leader first.
COYG! 🔴⚪
The Arsenal Canada Branch Team
Sam & Sid