SC United Bantams News Release -- www.scunitedbantams.com
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina United FC is pleased to announce it has purchased the franchise rights to PDL team Palmetto FC, formerly based in Greenwood, S.C.
The PDL is a pre-professional league, which provides elite amateur players the ability to train and compete at the highest level while maintaining collegiate eligibility. Competing in the PDL’s South Atlantic Division, the SC United Bantams will seek a top-two finish to earn a place in the PDL playoffs this season, and also give the club the opportunity to qualify for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2015.
The overall mission of franchise will be to provide South Carolina-based college players and those native to South Carolina’s youth soccer system a platform for developing their craft for the professional level. The team will play seven league matches and two Exhibition matches at stadium venues throughout the Midlands, including three at USC’s Stone Stadium. The team’s road matches will see the club visit clubs such as the River City Rovers, Cincinnati Dutch Lions, Carolina Dynamo, West Virginia Chaos and Southern West Virginia King’s Warriors this summer.
United’s home schedule begins on May 23 as it hosts the Chaos at WC Hawkins Stadium at 7 p.m. ET. The 2014 PDL Championship is scheduled for August 3 at a site to be determined.
“We are excited about being part of the next step as players grow from youth to amateur and eventually to the professional ranks” said Ron Tryon, CEO of South Carolina United FC. “We look forward to making our “Famously Hot” city even more enjoyable for families and fans who love sports by bridging the gap between the Gamecocks’ last pitch on the diamond and first kickoffs at Williams Bryce and Stone stadiums.”
Gary Winchester will return in his second season as Bantams Head Coach.
“As the head coach, I want to develop the principles that were set since our inaugural season and continue to develop the players showcasing their talents and pushing them to win in the right way,” said Winchester.
The Bantams will introduce themselves through their “one community” theme by playing home games at several local venues.
“Greater Columbia and our local communities provide us the chance to showcase homegrown players and those competing at the college level in South Carolina,” said General Manager, George Sasvari. “Come out and meet the Bantams and the future pros at a stadium near you as part of our introduction to Columbia during our ‘Q93.5 One Community’ Tour.”
The Graveyard (USC) will serve as the regular home venue while the Bantams also are scheduled to visit Lexington and Spring Valley for home stops on The Bantams “Q93.5 One Community” Tour.
Tickets are on sale at www.SCUnitedBantams.com.