Fighting Bobs FC is a new intramural soccer team organized by La Follette School graduate students. “The team’s name was inspired by ‘Fighting Bob’ La Follette and his legacy of fierce opposition to corporate power and dedication to fighting the system,” says to their team captain, current MPA-MPH student Eli Tsarovsky. Because the La Follette School of Public Affairs was named in honor of La Follette, who served as Wisconsin’s governor and as a U.S. senator, students and alumni of the school often refer to themselves as “Bobs.”
Tsarovsky created the team in April 2024 to offer an easy way for students to get together outside of academics. “There was interest from people to play soccer together, so I thought it would be fun to have a team to play together and socialize,” Tsarovsky says.
Tsarovsky’s favorite part about being a member of the team is the people. “Everyone is really nice and shows up for each other on the field,” he says. As team captain, Tsarovsky has seen how the team supports one another, and knows that they have his back as well. “I sprained my ankle in our first game, and everyone helped me out,” he says.
The Fighting Bobs FC has helped to build community within the La Follette School, allowing students to meet new faces and bond over both the wins and losses of their team. Tsarovsky encourages students to get involved, as the team has open space for those interested in joining the Fighting Bobs FC in the fall. “We are also hoping to have some cool jerseys made for our upcoming fall and spring season,” Tsarovsky says, “No one has to be good at soccer to play, and you don’t even have to have played soccer before to be on the team.”
The Fighting Bobs FC plays in the evening at the UW–Madison Near West Fields. To get involved with the Fighting Bobs FC, or to join as a spectator, contact Eli Tsarovsky at etsarovsky@wisc.edu.