Founded in 1997 by Jeff (pictured above) and Cynthia Watt at the request of original San Jose GM Peter Bridgwater, Club Quake is the official supporters club of Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes.  Although originally conceived of as a reincarnation of the Aftershocks booster club from the 'Quakes glory days in the NASL, the club has evolved into a fully independent organization, more along the lines of DC's Screaming Eagles or New England's Midnight Riders.

We are run entirely by fans and financed exclusively through member dues, sales of club merchandise, and the generosity of several soccer-friendly businesses in our community, including The Britannia Arms and California Custom.

Since our formation in 1997, the club has weathered some difficult times. As San Jose floundered at the bottom of the league table in 1999 and 2000, interest in the supporters club disintegrated. Club organizers struggled mightily to provide benefits to our members, but were often dismissed by team management.

In the winter of 2000, things began to change. Club VP Michael North and new club President Michael Turco approached Quakes GM Tom Neale about making one more attempt to establish a supporters club in San Jose.

We asked for a basic commitment: club members will be ambassadors for the team and lead organized efforts to put fans in the seats if the team includes us as a valuable part of their business strategy and supports our efforts. With the appointment of Matt Cornell as our team liaison, we were off and running.

In 2001, club members enjoyed numerous benefits: extensive ticket discounts, the ability to purchase custom player jerseys (when they are available), exclusive club events with the players, coaches and staff, periodic catered tailgate parties, and a spectacular year-end awards dinner with the entire team.

2002 saw the advent of the Johnny Moore era and more cooperation between the front office and Club Quake. As the Earthquakes built a stronger fan base with more stability in the front office, Club Quake merged with The Casbah to present a united front among supporters' groups. The front office as headed by Moore saw the value of working with its strongest supporters, and Club Quake worked to energize and grow the fan base.

In December of 2005, the Earthquakes moved to Houston Texas, becoming the Houston Dynamo. This was a very sad chapter in San José soccer history, second only to the collapse of the NASL in 1984. However, the Club Quake board decided to keep the club alive until we got a new team, and in the meantime to support the San Jose Frogs in NPSL and PDL play at PAL stadium. We continued our tradition of pre-game tailgate parties and in-game support there.

In the spring of 2007 the new Earthquakes organization formed, led by Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff. Club Quake has been meeting with the new ownership organization and working hard to ensure the best benefits for our members as we begin a new chapter in supporting the Earthquakes with our expansion team in the 2008 season.

Together with the Casbah and 1906 Ultras, which as of 2008 will provide two separate in-stadium supporters groups for the Quakes, our growing membership is creating a dynamic and passionate presence in Spartan Stadium and providing a true, home-field advantage for our team. We're continuing to build the grass roots support that will help to ensure the long-term stability and ultimate success of professional soccer in our community and throughout Northern California.

We know that our success and the success of the Quakes depend on the enthusiastic participation of the fans. We want San Jose to be an exciting, fun venue for soccer experts and novices alike. Whether you like tailgating before the game, learning more about the team, or just having friends with whom to share your passion, Club Quake is waiting for you!