Tampa Bay Rowdies and Brazilian Powerhouse São Paulo FC Announce International Partnership
June 23, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 23, 2015) - The Tampa Bay Rowdies and Brazil's São Paulo Futebol Clube announced today a historic international partnership, that will strengthen both clubs' visions of developing youth and professional players in the Americas and abroad.
"Welcome to the modern era of the Tampa Bay Rowdies." said principal owner Bill Edwards. "We have a new coach, new players and a practically new stadium where we are undefeated. The Rowdies and the entire NASL are breaking attendance records and we are growing stronger every day. The only way to continue this growth is by associating with the best soccer clubs in the world, and this partnership with São Paulo FC is a clear example of that."
"I am very happy to be here in St. Petersburg to sign the agreement between both clubs," said São Paulo FC president Carlos Miguel Aidar. "This is a very important moment for Sao Paulo Futebol Clube as we aim to expand our brand internationally and especially in North America."
The goal of the relationship between the two clubs is to develop a multi-platform partnership that is mutually beneficial and economically viable. This includes opportunities such as exhibition matches between both clubs, off-season and mid-season training at São Paulo's academies, coaching and technical staff exchange programs, and the loan of young players from São Paulo FC to the Rowdies.
With this partnership, the Rowdies align themselves with one of the most prestigious soccer clubs in the world. São Paulo FC has achieved continuous success since its founding in 1930. The Tricolor is the most successful Brazilian club, winning six Brasileiro Série A titles and 12 international titles, including three Club World Cups, three Copa Libertadores and one Copa Sudamericana.
The club's home matches are played in the Estádio CÃcero Pompeu de Toledo, which is also known as Estadio do Morumbi. With an estimated 18 million fans in Brazil, São Paulo FC is a $322 million brand that includes a pro training complex and a youth academy complex. Players who have worn the São Paulo FC kit include Brazilian stars Kaka, Rogerio Ceni, Luis Fabiano, and Cafu. For more information visit SaoPauloFC.net.
With the intent of establishing a long-term partnership, the Rowdies look to cross promote tourism in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area with soccer fans and tourists in São Paulo, Brazil. Reciprocal sponsorship opportunities under consideration include in-stadium advertising and promotions in both Brazil and St. Petersburg.
"The alignment of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and the Rowdies with such a storied international brand as São Paulo FC is a huge win for area tourism," said David Downing, executive director of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. "Visitation from Brazil has led the unprecedented growth of our Latin American markets over the past several years, so we see incredible opportunities for all sides in such a dynamic partnership."
The Rowdies consultant for international development, Francisco Marcos, who officially joined the club earlier this May, fronted the partnership between both clubs. The agreement with São Paulo FC is a reenactment of an original agreement dating back to 1981, when current Rowdies executives Farrukh Quraishi and Perry Van Der Back were Rowdies players. Van Der Beck spent six months in São Paulo training as a result of that agreement, along with three other original Rowdies players.
"I share Bill Edwards' ambition to turn the Rowdies into a global brand," said Marcos. "The Rowdies, as a soccer team, will grow as a result of the various technical elements that this agreement will bring to the playing field. This agreement will go a long way in helping the St Petersburg/Clearwater market increase its exposure in Brazil."
Along with Jacksonville Armada FC and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers hosting Argentina's Boca Juniors over the next two weeks, this announcement solidifies the North American Soccer League's position within the North American soccer landscape. Earlier in June, NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony announced that his new club, Puerto Rico FC, will begin play in the NASL in the 2016 Fall Season. Puerto Rico FC will be the NASL's 13th club after the league recently added Miami FC on May 20.
North American Soccer League Stories from June 23, 2015
- Strikers' Marcelin Named to Haiti National Team Squad for 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Romuald Peiser Earns NASL Player of the Month Honour - Ottawa Fury FC
- Ottawa Fury FC Goalkeeper Romuald Peiser Earns NASL Player of the Month Honors - NASL
- De Guzman Named to Canada MNT Squad for CONCACAF Gold Cup - Ottawa Fury FC
- Tampa Bay Rowdies and Brazilian Powerhouse São Paulo FC Announce International Partnership - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Patryk Misik Will Not Return for Fall Season - Ottawa Fury FC
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