Surf instructor Frederico Rosa creates a '(dis)organized' fan base to watch Flamengo games on an island in the American archipelago

GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro

In the habitat of Andy Irons, three-time world surfing champion, there's also room for Flamengo. On the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Flamengo fan Frederico Rosa created the organized (or disorganized, as he likes to call it) "Flaloha" fan club to cultivate Flamengo's passion from afar.

Frederico Rosa (right) displays the banners of the third state championship alongside another member of Flaloha

A former resident of Tijuca, Fred used to call Maracanã his backyard. However, since 2002, he moved to the American archipelago, and following Flamengo has been restricted to the internet. At the suggestion of his mother, Ana Léa, he created Flaloha. The expression "Aloha" means "hello or goodbye." 100 shirts are sold at cost price (US$10). The goal is for Rio residents to embrace the same ideal. "We've already made 100 shirts. We have Americans, Hawaiians, Uruguayans, Argentines, and Japanese fans here—all Flamengo fans. The goal is to have the guys from there wearing the shirt at Flamengo games, and here, even without being physically present at the games, we literally wear them and cheer with the same strength as always," the fan club's founder stated via email.

Flaloha logo made by Fred

The seven-hour time difference makes it difficult to watch the games. The inappropriate time limit restricts online viewing. "Normally, only the die-hard Flamengo fans—my cousin Eduardo, Gustavo, and I—watch the games. I've suggested having a barbecue during the game, but it's usually too early. But one day the joke will come out," joked Fred, from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais.