Edmonton to Join A-League in 2004

Published on April 30, 2003 under A-League (A-League) News Release


EDMONTON, ALB -- A group of Edmonton investors have acquired the franchise rights to both men's and women's soccer teams. Both teams will play in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) beginning in spring of 2004.

"We have brought together a diverse group of Edmonton investors who are committed to bringing professional soccer to Edmonton in a manner that is both affordable and sustainable. Clearly, we want to develop the sport of soccer for the benefit of youth in our community," said Tom Newton, Investor Spokesperson for Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd.

"As the largest organization of soccer leagues in North America, United Soccer Leagues is dedicated to growing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across USA and Canada. The USL is committed to a quality family entertainment experience that is accessible, exciting and educational," said David Askinas, Chief Operating Officer of United Soccer Leagues.

The Men's team will play in the USL's professional A-League. This league is the USL's showcase league. It is Division II professional soccer in the US and Division I in Canada. "It is clearly the best professional soccer available in North America, " said Askinas. The A-League is home to current and future stars of the game from over 35 countries.

The Women's team will play in the USL's international W-League. As the first international soccer league for women, the W-League provides the most complete women's pool in the world. The league is recognized as North America's best women's developmental organization.

"We are extremely excited about bringing such a high calibre of soccer to Edmonton. Soccer is the fastest growing sport in North America and the largest participation sport in Canada. Greater Edmonton alone has more than 40,000 registered soccer players," said Greg McDannold, Director of Business Operations for Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd.

The acquisition of these franchises is of great benefit to the Edmonton soccer community. The coaching staff and players will take a lead role in developing the sport of soccer in our region. Recruitment of coaching staff, players and front office staff will begin over the summer months.

Part of Edmonton Professional Soccer's commitment to the local soccer community is to ensure that a significant number of players are local players.

"Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. will make it a priority to field two highly competitive teams. I can assure you that the ownership and management are fully committed to providing our fans with the calibre of soccer than they deserve and with teams they can be proud of," said Wylie Stafford, President of Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd.

The partnership is a three-year agreement that will take effect in spring of 2004.

Commonwealth Stadium

Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. has reached a three-year agreement with Commonwealth Stadium as a venue for it's new soccer teams.

"We are pleased that we have been able to secure a multi year agreement in principle with Commonwealth Stadium that is a win-win situation," said Wylie Stafford, President of Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. "We will require Commonwealth Stadium to accommodate the crowds if the grassroots support that we have seen to date is any indication."

Commonwealth Stadium is among North America's finest outdoor venues. It has hosted many international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games, the World University Games and the IAAF World Championships in Athletics. It was the site of the first ever Canada Cup of Soccer and in 2002 it was host to the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship.

"It's great to have an agreement in place and a new tenant in our venue. We look forward to working with the ownership and management of Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. as we work co-operatively to build a strong and loyal fan base," said Doug McLennan, Manager-Commonwealth Stadium.

Planning is currently underway to maximize use of the facility including use of the stadium's new giant replay screen.

"Having use of a state-of-the-art replay screen will only serve to enhance our fan's game day experience. Commonwealth Stadium is a facility that lends itself well to providing our fans with fun and affordable family entertainment experience," said Greg McDannold, Director of Business Operations for Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd.

Both a Men's A-League team and a Women's W-League team will begin playing in the United Soccer Leagues at Commonwealth Stadium in spring of 2004.

Edmonton Minor Soccer Association

Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA) has entered into a three-year partnership agreement with Edmonton Professional Soccer.

"We are very excited about the arrival of such a high calibre of soccer in Edmonton. We are confident that we have developed a partnership with the teams that is unparalled in North America," said Mario Charpentier, President - Edmonton Minor Soccer Association.

The spirit of the agreement is to ensure that EMSA and Edmonton's new pro soccer teams work co-operatively to develop the sport of soccer in a way that will benefit the youth in our community.

Part of Edmonton Professional Soccer's commitment to the local soccer community is to ensure that there are a significant number of local players on the teams.

The partnership also means that EMSA registered players, ages 4 - 18, will benefit from the delivery of youth soccer camps. These camps will be taught by Edmonton Professional Soccer's players and coaching staff in every EMSA zone.

The agreement also means that players and coaches of the soccer teams will work with EMSA to create a multi-level instructional program for all EMSA skill levels and interests.

"Edmonton Professional Soccer is very happy to have reached such a fundamental agreement with EMSA. We understand that it is critical to garner strong grassroots support for our teams. This EMSA agreement is a big step in ensuring that this grassroots support is in place well in advance of our teams' arrival," said Wylie Stafford, President - Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. "We are fully committed to making this program work and to exceeding the expectations of EMSA players."

EMSA players will also benefit by receiving a season pass to attend all home games. These passes will be provided to all EMSA players as part of their registration fees.

"We are fortunate to be in Commonwealth Stadium. Given the size of the facility we are able to provide season passes to all EMSA registered players a nominal cost of about $1.00 per game," said Greg McDannold, Director of Business Operations- Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. "To have more than 15,000 committed young fans' waiting for the gates to open is a great start to building a loyal fan base! Combine this with our commitment to providing fans with fun and affordable family entertainment experience and we're well on our way to ensuring the long term viability of our franchises,"

EMSA is the largest sports association in the Edmonton area. This agreement was made possible through their vision for the future of the sport of soccer, on behalf of youth, in our city.

"We know that it is in the best interest of both our players and our community to have professional soccer in our city and we want to do our part to help. It's great to see professional soccer ...LIVE 'N KICKIN' in Edmonton," said Mario Charpentier - President, Edmonton Minor Soccer Association.



A-League Stories from April 30, 2003


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