USL News Release
Monday, May 7, 2012
TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced today that respected soccer executive Chris Keeney has been named its Southwest Regional Representative and A3 Sports Consulting recognized as an Official League Consultant. Keeney is Founder and CEO of A3 Sports Consulting, which will serve as a USL-endorsed team services agency.
In his role with USL, Keeney will work and collaborate with local and regional soccer organizations and businesses to support, promote and grow the USL pyramid of development at all levels through grassroots efforts. His primary operating territory will include Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California.
Currently managing partner of FC Tucson of the USL PDL, Keeney is a 17-year veteran of professional sports having previously worked for the Columbus Crew, Real Salt Lake and D.C. United of the MLS and the NFL’s Houston Texans. Keeney received his MS in Marketing from Florida State University in 1992 and an MBA from George Mason University in 1996.
Keeney joins Texas/Mid South Regional Representative David Winner, with other representatives expected to be added in targeted markets.
“Chris Keeney has an impressive background in professional sports and will be a valuable member of the USL family and an asset to all of our properties,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “Not only will Chris help USL to identify potential clubs and markets, he will provide existing USL teams with yet another valuable team services resource to help them raise their level of performance.”
A3 is a sports consulting firm with areas of expertise in season and group ticket sales, sponsorship, marketing, media & public relations, event management, negotiations, broadcasting, customer service, and leadership development. Its relationships include Major League soccer and its teams, U.S. Soccer, CAA Sports, CONCACAF, Rice University, the University of Houston, ESPN Regional, the Big 12, the Big Ten, the ACC, the Southland Conference, TGI Sports, LiveNation, AEG, and Sporting News Radio.
Per the agreement, A3 will advise league management and staff on team services and revenue generation issues and also conduct revenue generation seminars at USL events for the benefit of member teams.
“A3 Sports Consulting is proud to represent United Soccer Leagues in its growth efforts in the Southwestern states and California as well as share our experience and expertise in driving revenue for current members,” Keeney said. “USL has a fantastic foothold in American soccer and is well positioned to ride the tidal wave of interest the sport is enjoying.”