Few groups embody the spirit of their community quite like Defiance 1636, the official supporters’ group of Rhode Island FC.
Founded by Ervin Vargas, Defiance 1636 is rapidly proving to be more than just a collection of loyal supporters – it’s a movement that’s redefining what it means to back a soccer club in New England.
For far too long, one of the only options for live pro soccer in the region was the New England Revolution. If you wanted to enjoy a match in person, you had to make the long drive to Foxborough and settle for games in a stadium that makes it nearly impossible to create a true supporter atmosphere.
But then over the years, we’ve seen clubs pop up all over New England. From nearby Hartford Athletic to Vermont Green all the way up north, soccer fans in the region are finally getting the credit they deserve. And the latest to come onto the scene might just be the best yet.
When it was announced that Rhode Island was getting a pro team that would compete in the United Soccer League, the Vargas and the community were quick to mobilize.
For years, Vargas had been attending matches across New England but they never lived up to the experiences he had when he went back to Guatemala to spend time with family. The drums, the smoke, the passion. All that was missing. So when Rhode Island FC was announced, Vargas was committed to changing that.
Shared Vargas, “I decided I was going to break that barrier. Why not bring that South American style and culture to Rhode Island?”
And bring it he did. Alongside co-founder Joe Samayoa, the two set out to create a group that stood out from the rest.
“Defiance 1636 has the environment that people love,” Vargas pointed out. “It’s the wildness of Central and South America but here in Rhode Island. When you’re in the stands, you see the smokes popping up, you see fireworks going off, you see the streamers going up and down. That’s what makes Rhode Island games amazing.”
Earlier this season, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Defiance 1636 co-founder while he was preparing for the biggest match of the season – a home game against hated rivals Hartford Athletic.
Vargas, a Providence native with Guatemalan roots, talked about how Defiance 1636 is a reflection of Rhode Island’s diverse population. “Rhode Island is known for its melting pot,” Vargas explained. “Defiance 1636 is more than any one group – it’s Guatemalan, it’s Mexican, it’s Cape Verdean, it’s Salvadoran. We’re a collection of so many people and that’s what makes our style unique.”
This diversity is not just celebrated but is integral to the group’s identity and success. Vargas proudly stated, “Our group loves that barra style and you don’t get that anywhere else in this region.”
“It’s in my blood.”
Born in Providence, Vargas is a self-described soccer fan since birth. His father was a skilled player in Guatemala and when he would spend time down in Guatemala as a child, his relatives would share stories about his father’s most memorable matches.
His time down in Guatemala also meant he was able to witness firsthand the difference between soccer fandom and supporter culture in the Americas. And that’s exactly the gap he wants to bridge through Defiance 1636.
In this year’s inaugural season, Defiance 1636 has amassed an impressive membership that most other groups dream of. And the club is carrying its weight by sitting comfortably in playoff position.
When asked why it has had such immediate success, Vargas attributed the success to the group’s authenticity and its ability to tap into a passion that has long existed in Rhode Island but lacked an outlet. Spanning eight cities and 31 towns, Rhode Island has a rich soccer culture but the fans across the state have never had the opportunity to make something their own.
And that’s why Defiance 1636 is so special. In fact, the name “Defiance” was chosen deliberately, reflecting the group’s attitude towards those who doubted the viability of professional soccer in Rhode Island.
Explained Vargas, “When this thing first started someone said we needed to defy the odds. I immediately knew that’s what we had to call this thing. No one expected this, but we knew.”
Today, Defiance 1636 members are quick to correct anyone who calls them a supporters group. To them, it’s so much more. Defiance 1636 is unapologetic about its intensity and passion.
“We’re ready to go every match,” shared Vargas. “We’re at the railings. We’re not afraid to get in your face. We will let you know we’re here.”
Which is exactly what they did when we spent time with Defiance 1636 during its derby match. The deafening noise coming from the north end of Beirne Stadium and the never-ending display of pyro made for one hell of an atmosphere. And that’s just the beginning too. When the club moves into its own soccer-specific stadium in 2025, you can expect an experience unmatched anywhere else in New England.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself to a Rhode Island FC match to see what Defiance 1636 is all about.
