Orlando City News Release - www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Monday, December 12, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club is proud to announce that it has taken a controlling interest in a partnership with the Seminole Soccer Complex and Florida Soccer Alliance (FSA) youth club.
Founded in 1970, FSA has long been a standard-bearer for youth soccer in Central Florida. FSA’s 750 youth soccer players will play under the new name and brand of Orlando City Youth Soccer Club, creating one unified, fully integrated, co-ed soccer club pyramid with Orlando City’s USL PRO team at the top. This kind of development structure is unique within the Orlando area.
“The acquisition of FSA’s youth organization sets up the ultimate soccer development pyramid for kids in the Orlando area” said Phil Rawlins, Orlando City President. “We aim to provide the very best development environment for all these kids. It’s our dream to see talented local kids come through our coaching system and go onto to play at College and in the Professional game. We remain committed to the development of soccer at all levels in the Central Florida community and will continue to work with all youth soccer affiliates who want our professional assistance.”
The 40-acre facility in Northwest Seminole County will the permanent training facility for the Orlando City pro team and will become a Center of Excellence for youth soccer in the region. The 11-field complex hosts an average of 2,500 youth soccer matches per year and has more than 80,000 visitors. FSA’s annual Memorial Day tournament is now preparing for its 34th season, and is a fixture in the Florida youth soccer calendar.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing FSA into the club,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “This was a natural growth step for our club and so I’m thrilled that it has happened. With this facility and our partnership with FSA, the future is very bright.”
“Everyone at FSA is very excited about this partnership,” said FSA President Keith Denton. “The leadership and talents that Orlando City brings to the club are going to have a massive impact on youth soccer in Central Florida. All the people we have worked with at Orlando City have been first class throughout this process. Having them lead the way is really a no brainer for us. The opportunities for our youth players have just expanded to a level that has never been seen before in Central Florida youth soccer.”
Leading the Orlando City Youth Soccer Club organization will be Executive Director, Brian Pederson. Pederson, has extensive experience in Youth Soccer having previously worked as Director of Youth Soccer at the Minnesota Thunder Academy and the Youth Camps and Clinics Director with Orlando City.
Orlando City will open its 2012 campaign against Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union at the Citrus Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 18. Tickets for the game are available by calling 855-ORL-CITY.
About Orlando City Soccer Club
Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is one of Orlando’s premier professional sports franchises. Orlando City plays in the USL PRO league, part of the United Soccer Leagues. During the inaugural 2011 season, the Orlando City Lions captured the USL PRO American Division, Regular Season, and Playoff championships. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.