Chicago Gaels News Release - www.chicagogaels.com
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
CHICAGO, IL -- Chicago Professional Women’s Soccer and the W-League’s Chicago Gaels have joined forces to grow the sport of women’s soccer in the Midwest the two teams announced.
The Gaels will be the Official Amateur Team Affiliate of the yet to be named Chicago franchise, who will start play at Toyota Park in 2009 in the new top level Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). The teams will benefit by sharing commercial and technical opportunities.
“We are excited to partner with a club that has provided high level women’s soccer in Chicago since 2006,” said Wilt.
The partnership was created through the cooperation of Gaels President and General Manager Mark Boyle and Chicago President and CEO Peter Wilt who also worked together in 2000 to create the Chicago Fire Premier of the Premier Development League.
“This is a key element in the continued growth not only of the Chicago Gaels and pro women’s soccer in Chicago but is a key development for the advancement of women’s soccer in the future. When Peter came up with the idea of the Fire Premier as a development team for the Fire he was years ahead of any other MLS general manager and helped set the foundation for a model that is now being copied through out the MLS,” Boyle said.
The relationship kicked off earlier this month as Gaels players Jen Buczkowski, Kristin Eggert, Kelly Sitkowski and Erin Walter signed autographs and worked the Chicago WPS booth at the Illinois Youth Soccer Expo. Buczkowski also served on the team’s Town Hall panel at the IYS Expo as an aspiring player in the new league.
Led by Head Coach John Nikchevich, the Gaels finished 2007 with a 7-4-1 record for 22 points in the W-League’s Midwest Division. Through the agreement, the Gaels will host an annual exhibition game in Chicagoland, coach and staff education programs, and other business and soccer elements.
“This agreement allows us to support an important women’s soccer program that provides competitive games and training environments for top collegiate players. The W-League is important to the development of players who hope to play in WPS some day,” said Chicago General Manager Marcia McDermott.
Other benefits for the Gaels include a position on Chicago’s Advisory Board, access to Chicago WPS players for appearances and coaching opportunities, and sponsorship sales by Chicago’s staff.
“As an amateur affiliate of the new Chicago franchise the future stars of the pro league will have an opportunity to play and develop in a professional environment bringing them closer to the professional level. The Gaels will be the place for the elite players of the Chicago land area to play, train and be identified by the Chicago staff. It’s a great opportunity for women’s soccer in Chicago," Boyle said.
"As a coach it is all about the players. The Gaels organization is all about providing the right environment for the player to develop and reach their goals as a soccer player. The new partnership is a great opportunity for our players to reach the ultimate goal as a player. Illinois produces some of the best players in the country and I am very proud to be the Chicago based W-League team representing the Chicago Pro Women’s Soccer Team."
