Rowdies Update
Published on March 29, 2010 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
As many of you have noticed, we have been experiencing some technical difficulties with FCTampaBay.com over the past few days. Depending on which web browser you use, you may have been prompted by a warning page before entering the site. This warning page was put in place by Google in reaction to a line of coding used by our web developer on our site. If you read through the prompt, you will see that this was a precautionary move in certain web browsers due to possible conflicts with the code. While this coding was part of the backend and did not affect anyone's computer in anyway, we have worked with our web developers who have assured us they have removed the line of extraneous code. We would like to reiterate that there was absolutely nothing malicious about the coding, no one's computers were affected at all, and was simply a part of the backend that helps us run our site.
We hope to have this all resolved shortly, and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@tbrowdies.com.
FC Tampa Bay Rowdies
The TBR Mailbag is the chance for you, the fans, to write in and ask questions about the team, organization, and the return of professional soccer to Tampa Bay direct to the front office. If you have any questions you would like answered, please email us at mailbag@tbrowdies.com.
Q: Will customized replica jerseys be available for purchase?
A: Yes, we will be offering for sale replica jerseys with player names and numbers. Currently, fans can buy official team jerseys (without names / numbers) on our website at fctampabay.com. Jerseys will be manufactured and delivered to us by Lotto by the start of the regular season. Given that this is our first season and we are lucky enough to have custom designed jerseys, it takes a few weeks for the product o be made.
We could not offer customized jerseys right away because our roster is not set. We still have some trialists in training camp and a few more signings to be made. However, now that the roster is almost set, we will offer jerseys with player names and numbers very soon. We'd love to hear your feedback on which player's jersey you would buy right now!
In addition to jerseys, now that our online store is built and live, we will be introducing new official products from Lotto including the preseason training jerseys, polos and more. In addition to that we will offer private-label apparel and other team gear such as team scarves and hats. You will be able to buy your official team gear starting at our final preseason game against USF on April 10th.
Look for our merchandise online, in local stores, and at Steinbrenner Field.
Q: When will be able to see more video and pictures of the team?
A: Great question. We have a large library of video that we have compiled including press conferences, preseason training, preseason games, and even closed-door team meetings with the full team, coaches and owners. We are working with MRX to launch a new website for the team that will be media intensive and much more interactive. We can't wait to unveil our new website to you in April.
Q: What general marketing will the team be doing leading up to the season open?
A: First off we are pleased with the support we're getting at our preseason games. Our games at UT versus UT, FC Dallas and Philadelphia Union drew over 1,000 fans per game each with limited marketing. We are currently reaching out to our database of season ticket depositors, community supporters, and the soccer community.
In terms of traditional marketing, keep an eye out for our advertising on ESPN Deportes / Telemundo, TBO.com, Centro.com, as well major billboards around Tampa Bay to name a few major outlets. We will also be doing more grassroots marketing through each and every community. We have been actively promoting at many events from youth soccer tournaments and the Special Olympics, to our partnership with Tampa Bay Club Sports. We are going to begin having regular Pub Nights with MacDinton's Irish Pub in S. Tampa starting Wednesday, April 7th and will spread out to other pubs in the Tampa Bay area in an effort to create awareness and give all of you a chance to meet the team in person.
The Rowdies were present at the Yankees' spring training game on March 24th with Paul Dalglish kicking out (not throwing) the first pitch to goalie Daryl Sattler, and our players will be present at the Lightning game on April 2nd at the St. Pete Times Forum signing autographs. You will be seeing a lot more of our players out and about and welcome you to contact us if you'd like the Rowdies present at any community event you're participating in or hosting.
We are also building a Street Team to help promote the Rowdies' return at your favorite local shops and hangouts. Email us at streetteam@tbrowdies.com if you'd like to help distribute posters, scarves, and other Rowdies gear around your neighborhood or school, and be eligible for exclusive contests, experiences and giveaways.
Q: What size staff does a team in USSF D-2 have?
A: To answer this question we'll break down our staff into two categories: business and sporting. The organization is overseen by team Owner and President Andrew Nestor. On the sporting side, Andrew fills the role that's traditionally in American sports known as General Manager, meaning he negotiates player contracts and builds the team under the advisement of the Technical Director and Head Coach. The team's Technical Director is Perry Van Der Beck. Perry oversees the coaching staff, player scouting and development (including TBR Academy and future Residency Program), and day-to-day player personnel matters such as immigration, housing, and medical. The head coach, Paul Dalglish, manages and coaches the first team, as well as makes final decisions on all player selections for the team. We also have a goalkeeper coach, Janush Slobodan, and an assistant coach to be named soon. Working alongside Perry Van Der Beck, is our Director of Operations Lee Cohen. Lee oversees day-to-day operations of the team as well as stadium game-day operations. This includes duties such as US Soccer referee liaison, oversight of equipment manager and clubhouse attendants, statistics reporting, and broadcast. In addition to the soccer staff, we have a full time athletic trainer, Brian Duncan, and team surgeon / physician Seth Gasser of Florida Orthopedic Institute.
On the business side, we have a company the following staff members: Chief Financial Officer, Director of Marketing, Director of Public Relations, Team Travel Officer and Team Registrar, Director of Ticket Sales, Ticket Sales Manager, Soccer Community Liaison, Hispanic Community Liaison, several Ticket Sales Account Executives, and numerous interns.
Like any new organization, we are always looking to grow and expand. We are still looking for additional interns to help with daily writing / web content, social media writing, graphic design, photo and video services, as well as general office assistance. If you are interested in interning with the Rowdies, please submit a cover letter, resume and if applicable your portfolio to jobs@tbrowdies.com.
Beyond internships we are looking for Street Team members for community events and promotions. If you want to help spread the word about the Rowdies return in your local community, school or university email streetteam@tbrowdies.com for more information.
We are also currently scouting for band members for our pep band, and Rowdies Girls for game day in-stadium entertainment. We will be holding open calls for both groups, but those interested are encouraged to email entertainment@tbrowdies.com to be kept up to date on auditions.
North American Soccer League Stories from March 29, 2010
- Rowdies Update - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Impact Ends North Carolina Training by Topping Wake Forest - Montreal Impact
- Rhinos Sign Three Players - Rochester Rhinos
- Palace Baltimore Pre-Season Friendly Vs. Dc United Postponed - Crystal Palace Baltimore
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
