Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders are pleased to announce that young entrepreneur and businessman, Tiago Lopes has been named the new Club President for the Harrisburg City Islanders Professional Soccer and Youth Academy.
Club owner, Eric Pettis made the announcement today in a press conference held at Capital BlueCross. Lopes joined the club on November 4, 2013.
“Tiago epitomizes the perfect mix of soccer management experience and the strategic and creative new thinking that will be critical to moving Harrisburg City Islanders into the next 10 years," said Pettis. "He brings his own unique approach and vision to the Islanders. He's innovative, strategic and an experienced businessman in soccer management. He will make a terrific Club President and we look forward to a Harrisburg City Islanders Club under his leadership.”
Lopes, born in Portugal, studied Football Business Industry and Sports Management at the University of Liverpool and Technical University of Lisbon. In 2006, Lopes completed a new project with Manchester United and executed a program with the United Soccer League (USL) as Associate Director of International Relations.
Lopes’ project was also recognized by the President of Portugal for his significant social contribution in the development of grassroots soccer. His love for the game has led him to establish programs and partnerships all over the world.
He founded Makesphere International, a consulting firm dedicated to aiding top club executives, players, coaches and sponsors in several countries in Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.
“With the ownership vision, with the Philadelphia Union partnership, with the support of the community, our fans and partners, and with the will to work daily and improve, I believe it is only a matter of time before we start to see some great achievements,” said Lopes. “My job, going forward, is to make this project so exciting, so useful, so fun, that every fan, every supporter and every youngster will be eager to belong to this family.”
“We are pleased by the addition of Tiago Lopes to the Harrisburg City Islanders’ executive management team,” said USL President Tim Holt. “His wealth of experience in the business of the sport domestically and internationally will add value to a professional soccer club that has become a fixture in the Central Pennsylvania sports landscape. We look forward to once again having the opportunity to work with Tiago in his new role and to support his objective of even further elevating what is already one of USL PRO’s most respected organizations on and off the field.”
The Islanders enter their 11th season this April 2014. In addition to creating a strategic plan to raise the passion, business, and brand awareness of the Islanders, Lopes will be a facilitator in developing the growth with Philadelphia Union, the Islanders exclusive affiliate Major League Soccer (MLS) partner. The growth of this partnership grew greatly this year with the addition of four Union players on loan with the Isles all season, plus additional support on and off the field.
“Tiago Lopes is an excellent addition to the Harrisburg City Islanders organization and we are excited to be working with him” said Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “He has worked at every level of professional soccer, including some time at the USL League office early in his career, and brings a breadth of expertise that helps the City Islanders to the next level.”
As the next decade of the Harrisburg City Islanders begins, Lopes will be involved in the discussion to upgrade the Skyline Sports Complex Project. The Islanders, who are partnering with Harristown and Delta Development group, expect the results of the Economic and Community Impact Assessment on the upgrade of the stadium to be announced by the end of the year.
Lopes will reside in Harrisburg. For more information on the Harrisburg City Islanders visit the website at www.cityislanders.com or phone 717-441-4625.