Local Business Owner Unveils Plans to Keep Professional Soccer in Wichita
June 4, 2013 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) News Release
Local business owner Blake Shumaker announced today that his group, FC Wichita, LLC has agreed to terms with the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) to keep professional indoor soccer in Wichita.
"The agreement with the PASL is a key step in securing the tradition of indoor soccer in Wichita for years to come," said Shumaker, owner of Service Body Shop. "
Blake Shumaker will serve as managing partner and registered agent leading a group of investors whose mission is to extend Wichita's indoor soccer legacy. The Shumaker name may be familiar to fans, as he is the registered owner of Wichita Wings Soccer Association and helped Wink Hartman obtain trademark usage of the Wings name two years ago, when the Wings officially returned to the MISL.
On March 19, Wings and Hartman Arena owner Wink Hartman announced he was putting the club up for sale. "I'd like to thank Wink Hartman for bringing indoor soccer back, and showing its value to our city and the local soccer community," said Shumaker.
The PASL has a few different rules that have helped create the league's success. Single point scoring creates closer, exciting games, and more opportunities for "sudden death" overtime games. A ban on slide tackling and a two minute team penalty for accumulating six fouls reduces player injuries and allows teams to create more offensive opportunities. "The PASL's rules have resulted in more goals being scored and a better overall flow to the game," said Shumaker.
"We have support from many successful Wichita based companies and have secured a home office in the Old Town business district. We hope to have everything wrapped up in the coming week.
PASL Commissioner Kevin Milliken added, "Wichita has always been an extremely great soccer community and has grown tremendously. To have the opportunity to bring them into the league is an easy decision for us to look at. The last month of constant communication with FC Wichita, LLC has given me a great feel for this ownership group. I could not be happier with their soccer knowledge and passion for the game in Wichita."
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