Wednesday, October 9, 2002
TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced today that it will be holding its Annual Operations Meeting in one month at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater, Florida November 7-9. The yearly gathering of over 120 USL franchises from the A-League, D3 Pro League, Premier Development League, W-League and Super Y-League serves as the starting point for the following season as operational details such as schedules, playoffs and rules are determined.
Establishment of USL Hall of Fame
The 2002 AOM will feature the establishment of a USL Hall of Fame, celebrating the longevity of USL and the people and franchises who have helped the league grow since its founding as a five-team indoor league in the Southwest in 1986.
“We have wanted to establish a USL Hall of Fame for several years and I am excited to finally be able to honor some of the men, women and organizations who have helped make USL a success over the years,” said USL President and founder Francisco Marcos. “This year’s class will only be the beginning as there are so many people who deserve to be recognized for tremendous efforts and personal sacrifices made over the years on behalf of United Soccer Leagues and the sport of soccer in North America.”
“Recording the history of the sport is an important part of establishing soccer as a significant member of the North American sports landscape. Documenting our own history will assist the overall effort of recognizing the long-standing presence of soccer in North America as well as the prominent figures within the sport.”
The initial class of inductees will be comprised of Builders, Clubs, Coaches and Players categories. Candidates will be elected based on their abilities, sportsmanship, character and contribution to their organization, USL and to the sport in general.
“These four categories are representative of USL,” said Marcos. “I could not think of a better word than builders to describe the attributes of the individuals that should be recognized. USL would not be where it is today without builders laying the foundation across the United States and Canada. Builders is an all-encompassing category that allows us to recognize the contributions individuals ranging from owners to referees to media have made.“
Nearly a dozen Builders and Clubs each will be recognized in the Inaugural Class for their 10-plus years of service, dedication and support to USL.
“We have established 10 years as a benchmark for recognition. Reaching that plateau is an outstanding achievement in this business and it is important to recognize these clubs and individuals for their dedication and ability to persevere through numerous hardships, which no person or club is exempt from.”
The Inaugural Class of Players and Coaches, to be elected and inducted by USL Hall of Fame Founder Francisco Marcos, will emphasize personal achievements accomplished during and beyond their USL tenure.
“You could not have the game without coaches and players. Since founding what is now USL in my garage in 1986, many players and coaches have come and gone and it’s time the ones who left lasting imprints be officially recognized for their achievements. The persons we will honor next month are the cream of the crop in my opinion and I don’t believe anyone would have any disagreements over their induction into the Hall of Fame. Their resumes boast tremendous accomplishments in USL and beyond. They are simply no-brainers.”
Following the Inaugural Class of inductions into the Hall of Fame, an Election Committee will be established to nominate and vote on further classes. The Election Committee will be comprised, in part, by those inducted in the Inaugural Class.
In addition to launching the Hall of Fame, USL will announce its annual operational awards, which include Fair Play, Organization of the Year, Executive of the Year, Marketing Excellence, Key Grip, Progress, Referee of the Year and the Archie Moylan Courage Award.
A-League prepares for 2003
The A-League Executive Committee and USL finalized several details for the upcoming 2003 season during meetings at the A-League Championship in Milwaukee. The A-League’s 28-game regular season calendar will be between Friday, April 25 and Saturday, August 30 with three weeks of playoffs following the end of the season. The playoffs will consist of eight teams, playing two rounds of two-leg, aggregate score series and the A-League Championship September 20. The 2003 playoffs will feature four fewer teams than 2002 and one less round.
USL announces addition to staff
USL welcomed Kevin McGovern to the staff. McGovern joined USL this week as Super Y-League Operations Coordinator. A Bradenton, Florida native, McGovern attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in Sports Administration in 1997. Following graduation, McGovern worked for the Tampa Bay Mutiny from 1997-98 and the University of South Florida Sun Dome from 99-02.
