How flags join players, fans together as “One” Knox

KNOXVILLE. Tenn. (WATE) — There’s no place like home.

“There’s a lot of pride in it, that’s where I’m from, that’s where I grew up, the culture, everything,” said Kingsford Adjei, Ghana native.

But with a little help, home can be anywhere.

For One Knox, the Scruffs have been a big part of creating that. It’s a tradition that just began last season, the Scruffs draping the flags of the countries represented by international players on the team behind their bench.

“When first saw that I was so happy, I always just, called my family, my friends I told them you guys look at this our flag is everywhere in the United States,” said Rwandan native Innocent Nshuti.

“It’s not something I expect at all, so the first time I saw it I thought it was very cool and I really appreciate the supporters doing that,” said Sivert Haugli, a native of Norway, “It gives you a little bit of like a home feeling”

While it gives the players a piece of where they are from, the flags also serve as a way for the fans and players to come together as “One” Knox.

“I think it means a lot, it’s kind of that reminder for your culture, where you’re coming from and the reasons why you started doing this career, so it’s good to see the fans holding that flag because it means they also care for you and most of the time that I play for the team I’m also playing for the fans as well so its kind of like a connection between us, it’s a good bond I would say,” Adjei said.

The flags acknowledge that while this may not be the players home, there will always be a place to call home in Knoxville.

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