USL News Release
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
TAMPA, FL -- United Soccer Leagues announced the expansion of its corporate office staff via the creation of new positions and the restructuring of several others, a move intended to increase internal operating productivity, responsiveness to growth opportunities in North America and abroad, and the level of service and communication to its 130 senior franchise and 600+ youth team members.
The changes coincide with the conclusion of a year-long strategic analysis of the company conducted by SoccerSolutions, LLC, a sports marketing and business development consultancy specializing in soccer. It was also announced that USL President Francisco Marcos and Chief Operating Officer Tim Holt will continue to lead USL into the future with reciprocal long-term commitments agreed to by both executives and USL parent company Umbro.
“Stability in any business is crucial and to have agreed to a long-term understanding with both Francisco and Tim will enable USL to build using Tim’s undoubted capability and enthusiasm, combined with Francisco’s knowledge and vision for the business as we look to further our position in North American soccer,” said Martin Prothero, USL Chairman and SVP of Football at Umbro.
Creation of New Management Positions Supported by League Ownership
As a component of the first phase of the initiatives, USL has added the full-time positions of: Senior Director, Franchise Development; Marketing & Communications Manager; USL/Umbro Services Manager; and Super Y-League Operations Coordinator. Further, USL will be supplementing its operations team with seasonal staff in referee services, statistics, player registration, and league administration.
“This is an important first step in the objective to provide our member franchises / clubs with the support and services they need in order to continue to be the leaders of elite level soccer in their respective communities, while also positioning ourselves for long term growth,” said Holt. “Continuing to strengthen our management team is critical to delivering on that goal.”
“We are grateful to our owners and partners at Umbro for providing us with the resources necessary to aggressively grow our business at such an exciting time in the development of the sport in North America. Over the coming months, we expect to announce additional steps and related developments which will build upon this initial phase.”
While USL has promoted to fill the Senior Director, Franchise Development and Super Y-League Operations Coordinator positions, it has initiated an external search process for both the Marketing & Communications Manager and USL/Umbro Integration Manager positions, as well as the seasonal employment opportunities.
Marcos and Holt Committed to Lead Senior Management
Marcos is the founder of USL and has served as President since the organization’s inception in 1986. Recently named to the 2008 National Soccer Hall of Fame election ballot in the Builder’s category, he is recognized by his peers as one of the key executives in the game, he presently serves as Co-Chair of both the US Soccer Federation’s Open Cup Committee and Technical Task Force for International Development, and is a member of the US Soccer Foundation’s Board of Directors. Beyond continuing to provide strategic direction for USL, he is primarily focused on increasing opportunities for USL and member franchise/clubs in the area of international networks for player and commercial development. In 2007, he was the recipient of the 2007 US Soccer Federation Werner Fricker Builder Award, the greatest recognition bestowed by the National Governing Body upon members.
“I am proud of the role USL has played in the development of North American soccer players and markets over the last 20 years, and believe our future role will be even more important,” said Marcos. “Obviously, I am both pleased and flattered that our parent company, through Martin Prothero, has chosen to recognize the work that Tim and I, amongst others, have done over the past few years and entrust us with the mission of taking USL to its next level. This is a task that will take significant vision, energy and commitment, but one relished as an exciting challenge by our entire staff. The prospect of the pending acquisition of Umbro by Nike represents a unique opportunity to catapult USL in terms of its importance in the development of the game in a dynamic North American soccer landscape. ”
Holt, entering his 10th season at USL, will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of all aspects of the USL business including the implementation of the strategic initiatives resulting from the recent business analysis. A member of the USL Board of Directors, Holt currently serves on the NSCAA Board of Directors and the US Soccer Federation Appeals, Credentials, and Open Cup Disciplinary Committees, as well as previously serving on its Board of Directors. In 2006, Holt was honored by Soccer America as one of its “Rising Stars,” a distinction for top American soccer executives under the age of 35.
Changes Result in Internal Restructuring of Staff Roles / Responsibilities
The company also announced a restructuring of certain roles, responsibilities and reporting relationships, a move designed to improve communication, strengthen internal controls, and streamline leadership responsibilities. Amongst the most notable of these include:
The appointment of Matt Weibe as Senior Director, Franchise Development: Weibe will be responsible for leading the process of developing new league-driven opportunities and processes for USL senior franchises including the creation of best practices sharing programs. Additionally, Weibe will serve to coordinate USL’s franchise expansion efforts and assist Marcos in the international development realm. Weibe has been with USL since 1999, is credited with launching the Super Y-League, and has served on the US Soccer Federation Board of Directors.
The naming of James Ward to the position of Senior Director, Commercial Development: In addition to continuing to oversee USL new business opportunities and league events, Ward will guide the overall direction of the league’s communications and marketing functions. Ward joined USL in 2004 and has been the driving force behind the creation and growth of the successful USL SoccerFest.
Promotion of Nicole Raymond to the position of Assistant Director, Pro League Operations: Raymond will retain her responsibilities as USL Player Registrar, but expand her role to one of actively assisting in the day-to-day operation of the league under the tutelage of Pro League Operations Director Steven Thompson. Prior to joining USL in 2006, Raymond worked in the Operations Department of Major League Soccer.
The hiring of Erin McGauley to the position of Associate Director, Super Y-League & Super-20 Operations: McGauley served in an intern capacity during 2007, assisting with the operations of the USL SoccerFest after earning her MBA from Tiffin University (OH). Her addition to the Super Y-League management team will allow for USL to better serve the over 600 teams scheduled to compete in the 2008 season.
The addition of Marketing & Communications Manager position: The new staffer 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. With the objective of enhancing brand recognition of USL and its franchises/clubs, this individual will work to develop national grassroots programs to connect USL and its franchises/clubs with their local communities.
The addition of USL/Umbro Services Manager position: The new staffer will work to increase level of regular coordination, communication, and integration between Tampa-based USL Office and New York City-based UMBRO USA Office. This individual will be tasked with launching 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.
For a list of current employment opportunities with USL and our complete corporate staff directory, please visit the following pages at USLsoccer.com
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