Acronyms, slang terms, and more pop up throughout sports. Soccer fans might have seen COYS before and wondered how it’s connected to the beautiful game. The shorthand version is a rallying cry for one of the most popular teams in the world.
What Does COYS Mean in Soccer? COYS stands for a “Come on You Spurs” in soccer. It is a rallying chant for Tottenham Hotspur on their home soil. Occasionally, it will also pop up during away matches depending on the importance of the game and the opponent. Most people say “Come on You Spurs” when talking, but online it shortens to COYS.
What Is Tottenham Hotspur?
Tottenham Hotspur FC is one of the largest soccer clubs in the world. They are based out of London, with many other fans residing in North London and Home counties. Due to their success, they enjoy a worldwide fanbase.
With 140 years of existence, they are one of the most consistent clubs in Europe. They have two league titles, eight FA Cups, four league cups, and seven FA community shields in their history. They also routinely qualify for the UEFA Champions League, finishing as the runner-up in 2019.
Playing their home matches at White Hart Lane, their main rival is Arsenal. When they play each other, it is known as the North London Derby. This is where chants such as COYS are at their loudest. There are smaller groups of supporters within the stadium, but everyone joins in with COYS.
Are There Other Songs and Chants at Tottenham Hotspur Matches?
A few other songs and chants take place at Tottenham Hotspur matches. With different groups trying to put their unique twist on the game, some are louder than others.
Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur
This is the most recognizable song to all Spurs fans. It made its first appearance in 1961, and quickly became a bit of a good luck charm.
Now over 60 years later, the song is usually sung after a win. It’s such a popular song that other teams, such as Manchester United, have adapted it to fit their club.
When the Spurs Go Marching In
Whether it’s before, during, or after a match, When the Spurs Go Marching In usually makes an appearance or two and a match.
It is sung to the same tune as When the Saints Go Marching In, with a slight adaptation. With such easy lyrics, even casual fans have no issues jumping right in and singing the song.
Do Other Teams Have Rallying Cries In Soccer?
The Come On You Spurs rallying cry is one of many in the highest level of soccer. Many different teams have supporters that get behind a particular saying or two as a way to unify them as a whole.
The English Premier League is the biggest domestic league as far as chants and traditions are concerned. They have the most history, and that leads to some very passionate fan bases. Teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and more all join Tottenham Hotspur with a slew of big fan groups.
Countries also rely heavily on rallying cries to unify an entire nation. During the World Cup, countries are doing whatever they can to inspire their nation to make a run. Even though there’s only one winner, it’s always enjoyable to get everyone fired up and interested in the action.
Fans have done a great job of cleaning up some of the railing cries that were a bit derogatory towards teams or even players. Gone are the days when teams are trying to degrade their opposition with chants. It’s more about supporting a team instead of putting the other one down.
Where Does the Spurs Nickname Come From Anyway?
Most people can put together that the team plays in Tottenham, but how did the team become Tottenham Hotspur with the Spurs nickname? The origins of Tottenham Hotspur started on Tottenham High Road in London.
They were looking for a name for the team, settling on Hotspur. Back in the 1300s, a famous character in Shakespeare’s Henry the IV, Part One, was known as Sir Harry Hotspur. He died in the battle of Shrewsbury, but the nickname given to Sir Henry Percy stood out.
Known for his outstanding efforts during battle, it fits in nicely with the soccer side of things. The club has always strived to play entertaining and attacking football at all times. That’s also where the co*ckerel logo comes from. Harry Hotspur was a big fan of co*ckfighting, and the golden co*ckerel lives on because of it.
You can learn more about the Spurs nickname in this article.
Recognizing COYS
Whether it’s in person or on television, COYS is chanted loud enough that people recognize it right away. Knowing what to look out for makes it so much easier to follow along.
Online discussions usually involve people not bothering to spell it out, using the four-letter acronym instead. Tottenham Hotspur fans will always instantly recognize the rallying cry no matter how it is formatted.
