The OSC interview: AIFL Founder Andrew Haines
by Andrew Kappes
Published on October 4, 2005 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
OurSports Central contributor Andrew Kappes recently had the chance to pose several questions to American Indoor Football League founder Andrew Haines. The AIFL completed its inaugural season this summer with six teams, including two traveling squads. Since the offseason, the league has more than doubled in size through announced expansion.
Andrew Kappes: Last year, the AIFL was the "new kid on the block," did the league go through serious growing pains in its first season of play?
Andrew Haines: We did have some bumps in our first year, like most start up businesses do. The main thing is, you need to learn from the bumps and avoid them in the future. We learned a lot in our first year.
AK: What was it like to have a traveling team play last season?
AH: Having a traveling team play was a hugh task. The expenses are high and there is no income for the team. We will avoid having a travel team in our league as much as possible.
AK: How did all the new expansion teams come about in terms of ownership?
AH: We started getting interest from potential owners about halfway through our season. Brian Schwelling and I started several of the teams for the 2006 season. Once we started a few of the teams up, we found quality ownership groups to purchase them. Now we have potential owners call us every day.
AK: Last year, a few former AFL and af2 stars appeared on AIFL rosters. What did you do to attract them to the league?
AH: I think we got those players for a few reasons. We paid more than the af2, our players make $300/game, and teams can provide housing and meals. Players also knew if they play in our league there are no restrictions to move up to the AFL. In addition we had some really good coaches in the league.
AK: Do you feel the league can compete in a national market with the likes of the UIF, NIFL, GLIFL, and af2?
AH: Yes. Right now we are focused on the eastern US. We will be national for the 2007 season. Our business structure will help us keep teams around for a long time. Keeping things regional is a big help.
AK: There have been rumors floating around that Cincinnati, Ohio may get an AIFL team, since the current ownership of the NIFL franchise hasn't been up to par. Any truth to these rumors?
AH: Right now we are in talks to have a team in Cincinnati for the 2006 season. It is not official yet, but things are looking good.
AK: Do you see an AIFL game being broadcast on TV in the near future?
AH: Yes. In the 2005 season we had games broadcasted on TV. They were mainly on local TV.
AK: What are the expansion plans for 2007?
AH: We plan on having a west coast division for the 2007 season. 2007 will be a big expansion year for us. When we expand to the west, we are still going to be focused on regional play. The only major travel should be for the championship game.
AK: Thank you, Mr. Haines, for your time.
American Indoor Football Association Stories from October 4, 2005
- The OSC interview: AIFL Founder Andrew Haines - OSC Original by Andrew Kappes
- Prentice Purnell signs with the Georgia Force - Rome Renegades
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
