Wednesday, March 10, 2010

BURNLEY, ENGLAND -- United Soccer Leagues CEO, Alec Papadakis, and Senior Director for International Development, Francisco Marcos, are currently in the UK laying the groundwork for international partnership opportunities for USL clubs.

Photo: Papadakis (right) and Marcos (center) with Gary Mellor of Beswicks at Turf Moor Wednesday evening following Burnley vs. Stoke City as a week of meetings to explore partnership opportunities continues.

"It’s been a hectic few days with productive talks with Birmingham City, Wolverhampton, Bristol City and Burnley already completed," Marcos said. "Meetings will continue through the weekend."

UK Sports Law and Management Firm, Beswicks, have assisted in setting up meetings and games for the USL contingent. While in the UK they are meeting with senior figures in the English Premier League, including Keith Harris, Chairman at Seymour Pierce, who was instrumental in Roman Abramovich's purchase of Chelsea and Randy Lerner's takeover at Aston Villa. Meetings are also scheduled with various chairmen at Manchester City, Burnley, Stoke City, Bolton Wanderers, Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday.

The main purpose of the visit is to establish relationships with English clubs which will offer the opportunity for young USL talent to move their game to the next level. As well as raising the profile of the league, it is hoped that developing joint partnerships with premier league clubs will lead to preseason tours in both the UK and North America, as well as other commercial opportunities.