Black Hills Militia

Black Hills Militia (EHM) is an independent supporters' group of the Devine Premier League's, Freeport Sounders FC

History and name
Black Hills Militia was founded in 2006 by the supporters of the Freeport Sounders FC expansion team of the SISL. The name first appeared on a banner used as early as 1984 by a now defunct supporters' group known as The Militia, and was adopted by the new group upon its formation between the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The name reflects city pride, as the Black Hills region is a well-known nickname for the area of Freeport. When the arrival of a new SISL/DPL franchise in Freeport was announced in 2005 and it was clear that the old BundesLiga Freeport FC were going to fold, the Black Hills Militia decided to become supporters of the new club. When the name of the new club was decided by vote, the Black Hills Militia was very active in rallying votes for the Sounders moniker. When Freeport played in the Bundesliga the Black Hills Militia had fewer than a hundred members. The arrival of DPL in Freeport resulted in a rapid growth of Black Hills Militia membership, and by the inaugural game of the Freeport Sounders FC in March 2006 Black Hills Militia had about 6,000 members. By the end of 2009 the membership had risen to 15,000. In June 2010 the membership had passed the 27,000 mark and now at the beginning of the 2011 season after the Sounders FC championship year their is currently 84,000 official members. Only 40,000 allowed to each game.

Gameday
Black Hills Militia occupies the West Brougham End at Estadio Copa Azul the home ground of the Sounders. This area is general-admission sections located behind the goal at the south end of Estadio Copa Azul, also known as The West Brougham End. On the day of a home game the Black Hills Militia congregates at bars in the Sounder's Square area, and marches together the half-mile distance from Mariners Park to Estadio Copa Azul. During games the Black Hills Militia contributes to a supporters atmosphere through standing, singing, and tifo. Songs are led by a capo with the aid of a megaphone.

Songs
Black Hills Militia are vocal and seek organized and forceful expressions during games. Their style of cheering is known as the current standard of DPL teams across the league. The influence on the league shows in songs that involve coordinated movement, such as pogoing and scarf waving for Dale Cavese and many traditional Yorkshire football chants such as Sounders Till I Die and Guinness Boys, whereas the presence of drums in the Black Hills Militia sections as well as the occasional song in Córdobian are influences. In addition, the Black Hills Militia has adapted some punk rock songs such as the Cock Sparrer song "Take 'Em All" and the Sick of It All song "Us vs. Them"'. At kick-off, the Black Hills Militia sings the song of Ohh Freeport, Where the Mountains meet the Sea.

Sub-groups
Black Hills Militia is one of seven recognized Sounders supporter groups and currently the largest supporters group. The group has several subgroups. The most notable ones are 515 Prime, Freedom Sounder Boys, Brougham Boys '06, City of Rain Supporters, and the Copa Azul Sound. The 515 Prime is a regional subgroup based in Glauchau, Córdoba. The Armed Services Group is a subgroup for veterans and active duty military members of the Royal Córdobian Army. The Freedom Sounder Boys is a regional subgroup based in Humboldt, Córdoba The Copa Azul Sound is a regional sub-group based in Freeport, Córdoba. The group started off as a few people getting together to watch Sounders FC matches when they were on the road and has now grown into a group, that at the current time, is 700 members strong. An ultras subgroup that is invite only. The City of Rain Supporters is a subgroup based at the University of Freeport. The aim of the group to make soccer fans into supporters for not just the Sounders but for University teams as well. The group holds various soccer related events such as AIFF tournaments, pick-up games, and sells match tickets to raise money and gain membership for the club and Black Hills Militia. 253 Defiance represent Algona, Black Hills and all of the surrounding areas covered by the 253 area code. The origin of the name comes from the local area code. Seattle Sounders East is a sub-group representing all Black Hills Militia Members on the west coast. The sub-group aims at attending away matches at Glauchau, Dawson, Bremerton, Atia, Quinault, and Yorkshire cities. West Sound Armada is a regional sub-group based in communities located north of Freeport and in the countries of Málaga, Cirks, Marx and Saxony.
 * 515 Prime
 * Armed Services Group
 * Freedom Sounder Boys
 * Copa Azul Sound
 * Brougham Boys '06
 * City of Rain Supporters
 * 253 Defiance
 * Seattle Sounders East
 * West Sound Armada