NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Rowdies Awarded Sports Community Moment of the Year

Published on May 24, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - On Thursday night, the third annual Sneaker Soiree was held, where the Rowdies were recognized amongst the Tampa Bay professional sports franchises and collegiate teams for their 2012 achievements in the North American Soccer League. CEO/General Manager Andrew Nestor proudly accepted the first award of the night, which was the Sports Community Moment of the Year. This award was given to the Rowdies not only for their 2012 championship, but also because of how the community came together at the final to embrace the Rowdies championship.

Hosted by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, the celebration recognized both on and off-field achievements from 2012. The third annual Tampa Bay Sneaker Soiree honored the best in Tampa Bay, and the Rowdies are proud to be a major part of that sports landscape.

Here is what Nestor had to say upon accepting the award last night:

"Thank you Rob and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission for recognizing the Rowdies tonight. It has been quite the adventure and really a privilege to bring professional soccer back to Tampa Bay. The Rowdies were this town's first pro sports franchise. In 1975, the Rowdies were an expansion team in the North American Soccer League and won the NASL Soccer Bowl beating the Portland Timbers. They went on to create an iconic American soccer brand that is still internationally recognized today. Starting with the 2010 season, David Laxer, myself, and the other members of our ownership group endeavored to bring pro soccer back to this area. It was a two-tiered process, first restructuring the landscape of pro soccer in North America resulting in the creation of a new league, which we branded the North American Soccer League. And of course locally there was the rebirth of the Rowdies. We're proud to be NASL Soccer Bowl Champions once again after just our third season of play."

"We have great leadership starting with our Technical Director Perry Van Der Beck and Head Coach Ricky Hill. Our players embody the principles lived each day by Perry and Ricky. They trust each other, and work hard for each other, the organization, and most importantly the fans. Soccer is a grassroots, supporter driven sport, and our supporters are loyal, passionate, and have been an integral part of our accomplishments over the past few years. And I believe that's what made last October's Soccer Bowl Final such a special community sports event."

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