Fans of the Chicago Red Stars and North Carolina Courage made statements against the Utah jerseys.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Royals forward Ally Sentnor (9) during their season opener at America First Field on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Sandy, Utah.
Supporter groups for two National Women’s Soccer League teams have spoken out against the Utah Royals’ jersey sponsor.
Chicago Local 134 and The Uproar – fan groups for the Chicago Red Stars and North Carolina Courage, respectively – challenged America First Credit Union, the Royals’ primary jersey sponsor, as well as the stadium’s naming rights sponsor of Sandy where Real Salt Lake and the Royals play.
It’s become an issue that makes the state’s governor roll his eyes, fans divide, and the credit union explain its story.
The Uproar released a statement Friday ahead of the match between the The royal family and courage criticizing the organization for partnering with a company that uses the phrase “America First.”
“While we support all Utah players and their fans, we cannot sit idly by without mentioning the jersey sponsor, America First Credit Union, of our opponent, the Utah Royals,” can- we read in the press release. “The phrase ‘America First’ has a long history rooted in racism, fascism and hateful ideology. »
Last week, the day before The Royals lost their first game of the season to the Red Stars, Chicago Local 134 issued a similar statement.
“The history of the phrase ‘America First’ and the imagery used in the credit union’s logo is rooted in racist ideology (and) propaganda reminiscent of the Nazis and the KKK,” the statement said. “Football is for everyone, and promoting an institution represented by racist propaganda is unacceptable. »
Governor Spencer Cox expressed his feelings on the statement to The Uproar via X.
“Just when you think this website can’t get any more ridiculous (I had to check if it was a parody account…sadly it’s not),” Cox wrote in a quote tweet.
America First Credit Union provided the following statement to The Tribune:
“America First Credit Union is dedicated to serving the financial needs of all individuals and communities within its membership area. Its name and history are rooted in the credit union’s initial ties to the United States government, serving civilian federal employees working on U.S. military bases, including Fort Douglas, Utah, where the credit union credit was founded in 1939.
“Throughout its 85-year history, America First Credit Union has strived to put the financial needs and interests of its members and community first, never losing sight of its founding principle: “ people help others.”
The credit union was founded in 1939 as Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union. It became Federal Employees Credit Union in 1947 after the company moved to Ogden.
In 1984, it became America First Credit Union. The company said “America” came from its ties to the U.S. government and its collaboration with people who worked at military bases and depots in Utah. He also said “Premier” was “intended to reflect our ongoing commitment to always putting the financial needs of our members at the forefront of our efforts.” »
Regarding its logo, AFCU said it was a representation of the North American bald eagle and “stylistically designed to resemble the wings worn by many brave men and women in service in our armed forces.
The phrase “America First” has been used in politics since the 1850s. President Woodrow Wilson used it to describe what he meant by neutrality, and President Warren G. Harding I used it while campaigning for the 1920 general election.
The term then appeared within the Klu Klux Klan in the 1920s. During World War II, the American First Committee used the phrase as a slogan in its efforts to prevent the United States from becoming involved in the war.
President Donald Trump used “America First” repeatedly during his 2016 presidential campaign. David Duke, former Grand Wizard of the KKK, ran for a Senate seat using this slogan.
Fans who spoke to the Salt Lake Tribune had different views. One fan said AFCU is “just a credit union” and has no problem being a jersey sponsor. Another fan, however, said he doesn’t bank with the credit union and won’t buy Royals merchandise featuring the sponsor.
