Sociedad to put fans' names on players' jerseys

Real Sociedad to thank fans by putting their names on players' jerseys

MADRID (AP) -- The Spanish soccer team Real Sociedad has a message for its fans: We've got you close our hearts.

The team said Thursday it will honor its fans by putting the names of club members on players' jerseys instead of a sponsor.

Sociedad calls the fan-appreciation initiative "We carry you on our shirts."

The names of club members are chosen at random. A group of 22 already were picked for a television commercial, and the names of another 22 were chosen to appear on the fronts of the jerseys for Thursday's Spanish league game against visiting Sevilla, a 2-1 win for the hosts.

Sociedad moved into seventh place. The San Sebastian-based club has around 25,000 members.