Edmonton Professional Soccer returns men's A-League team to United Soccer Leagues
July 19, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Edmonton Aviators News Release
In a meeting on Sunday July 18th, 2004, the shareholders of Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. concluded that their dream of professional soccer in Edmonton was not financially viable.
The shareholders began the Men's and Women's Aviators with the belief that professional soccer would benefit our community, our children, and the sport of soccer. The original plan of the company was to partner with minor soccer in Edmonton in order to promote young talent as well as to provide fun affordable family entertainment. Edmonton's youth were the primary audience for professional soccer through their attendance at games, participation in clinics, and hopefully, for some, the opportunity for the Aviator's teams.
This approach deviated from the normal business plan of soccer being a business competing for entertainment dollars. We originally believed this difference would create a fresh and successful way to market professional soccer in Edmonton. Despite everybody's best efforts and intentions, the program did not evolve as expected, and the fan support the Aviators earned did not match expectations.
Therefore, the shareholders of the Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. have handed back the franchise rights for the Edmonton Aviators A- league to the United Soccer Leagues. The USL has indefinitely postponed Tuesday's A-League match between the Portland Timbers and the Aviators in Edmonton while it reviews its options regarding the remaining schedule of the Edmonton A-League team.
In addition to fielding teams, the Aviators have marketed soccer camps and academies. The company is working hard to have these continue through qualified third party instructors. The soccer camps and academies currently scheduled should continue.
USL First Division Stories from July 19, 2004
- Tuesday's Timbers match at Edmonton postponed indefinitely - Portland Timbers
- Edmonton Professional Soccer returns men's A-League team to United Soccer Leagues - Edmonton Aviators
- Battery Welcomes MLS's MetroStars - Charleston Battery
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