Orlando City Adds to Ownership Group

Published on March 10, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO - Orlando City Soccer Club is proud to announce the addition of two investors to the club's ownership group, R. Wayne Estopinal and John Bonner. Estopinal was previously an investor in the Austin Aztex. Bonner, an Orlando-based entrepreneur is the first Central Florida-based investor to join the team.

"We are delighted that Wayne and John have chosen to invest in the future of Orlando City Soccer," said Phil Rawlins, Owner and President of Orlando City. "They round out our ownership team and bring invaluable experience to our board."

Estopinal is the President and Founder of the Estopinal Group, an internationally recognized health care planning and design firm headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2007, he purchased the Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club, a Louisville-based club with a select program featuring more than 600 players and an indoor soccer complex that serves over 4,000 players. In 2009, The Louisville Lightning Indoor Professional Soccer League was formed. The inaugural season was a significant success with numerous league honors for players and head coach.

"It speaks volumes that Wayne has made a further commitment to his ownership in our franchise," said Rawlins. "He was invaluable to us in our development in Austin and brings a wealth of business and youth soccer expertise to the table. Working with him is always a pleasure."

"I am thrilled to be continuing my relationship with Phil Rawlins," said Estopinal. "Soccer is a passion of mine. I am fully committed to taking what we started in Austin and building it into something bigger and better. Orlando is the perfect place to do that."

Originally from the UK, Bonner came to Florida in 2004 to further expand his successful ventures in the technology and vending industries. Then in 2009, along with partner Bobby Moore, Bonner helped create the widely acclaimed Big Fin Seaford Kitchen restaurant in the Dellagio on Sand Lake Road.

"John has extensive business experience in several industries and sees the huge potential for pro soccer here in Orlando," said Rawlins. "His expertise and guidance will be invaluable to us as we grow the team and our footprint in Central Florida."

"I firmly believe soccer has a great future in the United States, particularly here in Orlando," said Bonner. "I am a lifelong soccer fan, and am an ardent supporter of Nottingham Forest, two-time European champions. I really look forward to working with everyone to bring similar success to my new club, Orlando City."

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