09/07/2026
A YEAR IN REVIEW: AO WICHITA 🇺🇸
A year ago, a new leadership team answered the call to lead AO Wichita.
We knew there was work to do. We knew it was going to be A LOT of work. We inherited a chapter with incredible history and potential, but we knew there was an opportunity to rebuild something special. Our goal was to grow AO Wichita, create a real community for soccer fans in Wichita, and give people a place to come together and support the U.S. National Teams.
One year later, we can honestly say… what a ride it’s been.
From empty watch parties at Wichita Brewing Company , to packed and sold-out watch parties at Johnny's Tavern during this years World Cup, what a difference a year can make.
And little by little, that's exactly what happened.
We grew from 46 members to 74 members.
We found a new home at Johnny's Tavern and turned watch parties into events people genuinely looked forward to.
We brought the AO Wichita scarf back with a brand-new design, giving our members something to proudly wear and represent Wichita.
Wichita took notice. What we were building wasn't just growing within our own community anymore. AO Wichita was suddenly being featured on both KSN and KWCH, with local news stations coming out to Johnny's Tavern to capture the incredible atmosphere our supporters had created.
The chapter that once hosted empty watch parties was now filling a venue and getting recognized across Wichita.
And honestly? That was pretty damn cool.
We watched new faces become regulars. Regulars brought friends. And a small group of supporters continued growing into something bigger.
But here's the thing: none of this happens without you.
Our members. Countless non-members.
The people who bring their friends to watch parties. The people who proudly wear our colors. The people who buy the scarves, share our posts, sing, cheer, celebrate, and continue showing up to support the U.S. National Teams.
Whether you've been an AO member for years, joined us this past year, or have never officially joined at all but still show up and support this community, you are a part of what makes AO Wichita special.
Every packed watch party. Every new face. Every scarf. Every chant. Every moment that has made this past year special happened because of you.
So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Thank you for believing in what we're building. Thank you for supporting us and giving us the chance and the time to build it. Thank you for showing up. And thank you for bringing the passion and energy that has helped turn AO Wichita into what it is today.
And we're not slowing down.
We're getting ready for the fall slate of U.S. National Team matches. We're ready for more watch parties, more memories, and more opportunities to bring this community together.
And then, we're looking ahead to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
One year ago, we took over a chapter with a vision for what it could become.
A year later, we're just getting started.
👇 Now we want to hear from you: What's your favorite AO Wichita memory from the past year? Share it in the comments!
