USL News Release
Monday, June 2, 2008 TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced today the strengthening of its Commercial Department by naming Seth Witkowicz as its Marketing & Communications Manager and Paolo Acquista as the USL/UMBRO Services Manager. Both positions are newly-created and one of the final components of the implementation of strategic initiatives developed by USL in conjunction with sports marketing and business development consultancy Soccer Solutions.
“The addition of Seth and Paolo to our full-time staff marks another chapter of growth to our already solid management team, both in terms of number of full-time employees and professional capability,” said USL Executive Vice President, Tim Holt. “Both individuals are talented and proven professionals that will allow us to better serve our members and enhance the position of USL in the marketplace. We are grateful to our ownership for their support of league management’s continued efforts to enhance USL for all of its stakeholders via investment in key areas.”
“Seth’s understanding of how to effectively synergize the marketing and communications functions within a large organization, combined with his passion for the game, make him the right fit for this role,” added Holt. “Paolo’s energy and knowledge of the soccer apparel /equipment business as a member of Umbro USA positioned him to make an immediate impact in his new duties with USL.”
A 2000 Broadcast Journalism graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Witkowicz will assist in the planning and implementation of the league’s marketing and communications strategy and tactics, including the coordination of its media/broadcast initiatives under the direction of the Senior Director, Commercial Development, James Ward. Witkowicz’s primary objective will be the enhancement of USL’s brand and the collective branding its franchises. He will also develop national grassroots programs to connect USL and its franchises with their local communities.
Witkowicz was selected to join USL above a long list of accomplished individuals based on his proficiency in numerous broadcast capacities related to television, video and radio, as well as his advertising and marketing capabilities. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Witkowicz completed his Graduate studies at the University of Miami and St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Nebraska. His employment history includes a three-year stint as the Director of Communications with the American Council of Engineering in Lincoln and a two-year stop in Miami as a Public Relations Associate with the Miami-Dade County Health Department. Witkowicz is a member of the American Marketing Association.
Acquista, most recently the Brand Marketing Assistant at UMBRO USA in New York, will increase the level of coordination, communication and integration between the Tampa-based USL Office and the New York City-based UMBRO USA Office. He will also launch league-wide promotional initiatives with USL and UMBRO partners to increase USL/UMBRO brand exposure in USL markets, as well expand overall contacts and awareness for locally-based franchises and clubs.
Acquista is a 2005 graduate of St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York, having earned his degree in Communication Arts. His familiarity with UMBRO USA uniquely qualified him for the position with USL above all other candidates. Acquista has worked with USL in the past, supporting in coordination with USL SoccerFest, the Super Y-League Olympic Development Program Camps and in supplying USL franchises with match balls and field boards. He attended St. Francis College on a full soccer scholarship and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player following the 2005 season. He is familiar with Spanish and Italian.
