Sociedad to put fans' names on kits

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.

Sociedad entered in ninth place. The San Sebastian-based club has around 25,000 members.