San Diego Flash

Discussion in 'NPSL' started by ButlerBob, Dec 16, 2010.

  1. ButlerBob

    ButlerBob Moderator
    Staff Member

    Nov 13, 2001
    Evanston, IL
    Club:
    DC United
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    It had been mentioned in a couple other threads. So thought I would start a thread for the Flash in the NPSL folder. Here's a recent article about Eric Wynalda joining the managment team and also being an investor. It also mentions joining the NPSL for 2011.

    http://www.cubemonster.com/2010/12/04/eric-wynalda-san-diego-flash-soccer/


    I still don't really get the funding / ownership model that they are trying to have. Here's what their managing partner posted in the Soccer Business group on Linked In.

    Hello, along with my Partners Warren Barton and Eric Wynalda,
    we have brought a Professional Soccer Club to San Diego, Ca; The San Diego Flash. In 2010, we completed a successful Charity / Exhibition Season and will begin league play in 2011.

    Through over 24 years of experience in the Investment Banking industry, I have created a unique investment opportunity. We have set up our Corporation to allow others to be Part-Owners in the growth of our Club/Organization; before we take the Company public. (positions are limited).

    Profit Potential:
    We believe San Diego, next to México, is one of the best locations in the U.S. for Professional Soccer to expand and prosper. Particularly for the youth talent already here. We currently have 'friendly' relationships with Méxican Clubs in the area.

    Soccer Clubs are not generally money makers. So, on the Business Side:
    Through partnerships with local youth clubs, we have set up a San Diego Flash Soccer Academy Network; under the direction of Warren Barton and Eric Wynalda.

    Our Mission: To show local Youth Players of ALL ages, the Dream of playing Soccer at higher levels. By them seeing Pro Players in action, in person, we can bring all the youth players in San Diego County up; under the banner of the San Diego Flash.

    We are also launching Exclusive Internet Projects that will feature Warren Barton, Eric Wynalda and other High-Profile Soccer Stars who they know; that we believe has tremendous upside potential.

    Do you agree that San Diego is a good location for Pro Soccer?
    We invite contacts in the LinkedIn Community to review our Business Plan for possible investment. Click 'Investor Relations' at http://www.SanDiegoFlashSoccer.com
    Or, feel free to call.
     
  2. ButlerBob

    ButlerBob Moderator
    Staff Member

    Nov 13, 2001
    Evanston, IL
    Club:
    DC United
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
  3. evan eleven

    evan eleven Member

    Jun 4, 2009
    California
    Club:
    Seattle Sounders
    Nat'l Team:
    --other--
    i wonder why they chose NPSL instead of PDL?
     
  4. msilverstein47

    msilverstein47 Member+

    Jan 11, 1999
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    probably the expansion franchise fee difference of $70K
     
  5. sandiegosoccerlover

    sandiegosoccerlover New Member

    Nov 7, 2010
    San Diego CA
    Club:
    Manchester United FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    For what i heard they didn't get approved. That was their first choice and last minute move NPSL and they still can't find a stadium. They got knocked out of San Diego because SD BOCA is there. And their biggest crowd was only like 250 the entire year. Sad but that is where they are at right now. NOT THE SAME FLASH FROM THE PAST!
     
  6. whoswho

    whoswho Member

    Feb 10, 2010
    NPSL is a men's league and not a U23 PDL with a few olders. Flash wants to play in a mens program to prepare for higher levels of competition.
    NPSL has a longer season than PDL.
    NPSL is owned and run by team owners and not by an outside force.
    Lots of reasons for Flash to play in the NPSL as they continue to develop into a true Pro soccer team in San Diego.
     
  7. president_nater

    Jan 30, 2008
    Club:
    Manchester United FC
    I know this doesn't fit the original topic of the thread, but the Flash will have their first match of 2011 this Saturday in Santa Ana vs the Santa Ana Winds. A preview of a SW Conference matchup; it will be interesting to see how these two new NPSL teams stack up against each other.
     
  8. Nacional Tijuana

    Nacional Tijuana St. Louis City

    St. Louis City SC
    May 6, 2003
    San Diego, Calif.
    Club:
    Seattle Sounders
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Hmmmm. Well, in Flash's defense, they were playing non-NPSL exhibitions. Matches that don't mean a thing in the long run. I could've gone to a few of their matches, but frankly those exhibitions don't interest me. I suspect some others are the same way.

    I think once it becomes an actual team in an actual league, attendance will improve markedly.

    That said, I live in Boca territory. They will be my team.
     
  9. whoswho

    whoswho Member

    Feb 10, 2010
    Anyone hear how the game went tonight? Score and game report
     
  10. whoswho

    whoswho Member

    Feb 10, 2010
    It was a good match yesterday in Orange County vs the Santa Ana Winds.
    The final 0 - 0.
    Head Coach Warren Barton said, "It was good to see the players back playing again. We looked at some new players and overall I am happy with the Team's performance."
     
  11. sdsoccerpartner

    sdsoccerpartner New Member

    Aug 24, 2008
    Hello,
    As full disclosure, I would like you all to know, I am Clent Alexander; CEO of the Flash.

    I haven't participated in these forums for about a year and 1/2 (you may remember me from the MLS Expansion: San Diego thread). Please excuse my absence.

    I'll admit, I started out posting fairly agressivly. It was simply my way of wanting to gather people for a common cause; to bring MLS to San Diego.

    However, since we've had to deal with a few unexpected and out of our control situations (league placement for example) I've learned to slow things down a bit.

    I don't anticipate participating on a regular basis in the future either. As you can imagine, things have gotten more and more busy as we've moved forward from when I started this Project 3 years ago (Mar 2008).

    I do however, come check your comments from time to time. Quite frankly, I appreciate every comment; the speculative ones and even the critical ones.

    Through your posts here, I have learned alot. For most I say 'Thank You' and I hope to learn even more. We've all heard the line: "Can't please all the people all the time" and after reading what some have posted here, I truly believe it now.

    I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to re-start the Flash and get the support we've gotten; especially from people like Warren Barton and Eric Wynalda. It is an honor to have these guys as Bus. Ptrs. and now friends.

    I would just like to say to those who really want MLS in San Diego - we are working for you (and in some cases hopfully with you, either now or in the future). If you've ever heard the term 'CrowdSourcing', that is what we are all about.

    "A small team, committed to a cause bigger than themselves, can achieve absolutely anything."

    Having said that, I'd like to answer some of the post that are here. I would also like you to know that if you ever want to pick up a phone and speak to me directly or ask a question - I can be reached.
    - not exactly Spanos or Moorad here :)

    Regards,
    Clent
    858.715.1981
     
  12. sdsoccerpartner

    sdsoccerpartner New Member

    Aug 24, 2008
    Bob,
    Thanks to you for starting the thread!

    The answer about funding / ownership is fairly simple.

    I come from the Investment Banking Industry (over 24 years). When I started the Project, I wanted to put the opportunity out there for Fans who recognize the potential of the future, to be Part-Owners of the Club through a Stock Offering. For those who are familiar with how the Green Bay Packers got started, this may sound familiar. Imagine: If Fans are Part-Owners of the Club - less likely to move (i.e. Chargers).

    I realize the concept may be unfamiliar or even uncomfortable with some people, but so far the process is working out. Already some key people in the Soccer Community have come aboard. One more high-profile person will be announced soon. (not Beckham :)

    As with Publicly Traded Clubs in Europe, we would be the 1st Publicly Traded Soccer Club in the US.

    Just so you are aware, what we have under the umbrella of our Corporation is more than just the Club (a few Internet Projects featuring Eric Wynalda and Warren Barton and a non-internet aquisition, that I can't talk about just yet). Again, as a person from the Financial Industry, having an increasing top and bottom line is what will create financial stability for the Flash as we move forward; as well as how investors can benefit in the future.

    For 'Original Shareholders' who recognize the risk factors, still like what we have going for the future and can afford to take a risk; going Public will have certain rewards. I refer you to this recent blog post by a Securities Attorney: Benefits of Initial Public Offerings

    Disclaimer: This attorney is in no way associated with our Company. I only use his blog post as general information.
    Clent
     
  13. sdsoccerpartner

    sdsoccerpartner New Member

    Aug 24, 2008
    A few reasons - plus I hope this will also answer Why not the USL / NASL?"

    My apologies for the length.
    This is not an easy subject to explain. I tried to keep as short as possible.

    The San Diego Flash played in San Diego originally from 1998 - 2001.
    I re-started the Club in March of 2008.

    When considering what league to play, the obvious choice at that time, was to re-join the USL Div 1 (formerly the A-League). This was the 2nd division under MLS and I felt a city like San Diego deserved to be in the highest league possible. Sans the $50 million Franchise Fee for MLS (unless someone here would like to loan it to us :)

    In mid 2009, there were rumors that Nike (which was a majority owner of the USL / A-League) was interested in selling the League. A group out of Florida (Nu-Rock Holdings) bought the League (Aug 2009). Towards the end of the year, I came to learn that some of the owners of teams in the league were not happy with the new owners of the League. Out of 8 total teams, I believe at least 4 and up to 6 team owners decided to form their own league; the NASL. This is when we had some decisions to make about San Diego.

    Our plans were to play in the USL Div-1 in 2010. Unfortunately, now the fight for teams between the two leagues actually threatened play for ALL teams in 2010. In January 2010 the United Stated Soccer Federation (USSF), made a decision to split the teams equally into 2 divisions to save the 2010 season. The matter would be put off until after the season was over.

    Now what to do? We started having tryouts in August 2009 assuming that the USL would be the place to play in 2010. As an adjustment to something that was out of our control, I decided to turn 2010 into a Charuty Exhibition Season. We would play all the top clubs in the area as an introduction to the Community, raise awareness for local charities and give ourselves time to wait for the Division 2 situation to sort itself out.

    Of course, in the mean time, we got calls from both sides - USL and NASL. Both sides were very interested in having San Diego as part of their league. My first concern was stability. Unfortunately for us in San Diego, joining either of these leagues meant travelling to the East Coast for every away game. The closest team at that time was in Austin, Texas (and they just moved to Orlando Fl. Oct, 2010). This point was brought up with both sides and both sides said that they had plans for a West Coast division. We negotiated with both leagues. As it turns out, neither followed though. As it stands now, the USL graduated their PDL teams into what they call USL Pro and the NASL is still fighting for sanctioning from the USSF (recently got Provisional and still can't qualify for US Open Cup).

    In my opinion, as the CEO of the Club, as someone who has been monitoring this situation everyday for the past 3 years, as the person who has had direct conversations with the Commissioners of the USL and NASL, our decision to join the NPSL actually turns out to be a blessing in disguise:
    1) Their fees to join are not astronomical; especially based on what you get in return from the other leagues (don't get me started there).
    2) They already have 9 teams on the west coast; which means travel costs are reasonable (can you imagine what your tickes prices would be if we had to figure in trips to the East Coast and Barbados to play away games?).
    3) As of right now, the NPSL is the most stable league.

    Here is a very real statistic for you 'Over the past 15 years, there has been a 75% failure rate among lower division teams." (source: IMS Soccer) The previous Flash was part of that. My job as CEO, is to give us every opportunity to thrive from the business side. From a Company standpoint, we need to make good business decisions that ensure the longevity of what we in management and our Partners have invested our time and money into.

    Another point I would like to make. From the Soccer Afficianados I've spoken with (and no doubt most of you here can claim that title), unless you have are in the MLS, the quality of soccer that is in the United States does not differ very much. Even MLS teams have been beaten by lower division team in the US Open Cup.

    Having said that, for our current goals, it doesn't matter which lower division league's alphabet is attached to us. At the end of the day, our mission is to provide quality soccer entertainment to the Youth Players (and the Soccer Moms and Soccer Dads) in San Diego. To keep the players (girls and boys) inspired by giving them games to come watch in person and give the older ones the opportunity to play at higher levels in their hometown of San Diego.

    If and when MLS becomes an option, we'll be proud to follow Seattle and Vancouver (who we used to play).

    Last point Even. This was discussed at the League meeting in Baltimore
    Cost to join the PDL $50,000 up to $75,000 depending on who they are pitching.

    Whew!
    There's more, but I'll stop here, for now.
    Clent
     
  14. sdsoccerpartner

    sdsoccerpartner New Member

    Aug 24, 2008
    SDSoccerLover (shaking my head),

    1) See above.

    2) We did not get 'knocked out' of Balboa Stadium. Yes, at 1st glance on a map, it would seem to be THE place to play. Which is why we were there (1st). However, During our Charity Season, we learned that is is NOT the place for us to play.
    - A. Yes, it is in the center of the city, but there's not too much around it to make a fun Soccer Day of it.
    - B. Once you get off the freeway, the Stadium proved to be very difficult to find for fans. We got a lot of complaints..

    3) We do have a Stadium. Actually our 1st Choice; Westview High School. Off of the 56 and the 15 - accessible to Fans on the Coast and Fans in the East; who let's face it, are not going to come to Balboa Stadium.

    4) Since we weren't in a League, we were happy to get any crowd. FYI - Biggest crowd last year was at our game vs. Chivas USA reserves. (it was more than 250)

    5) Yes, not the Flash from the past. We want to be better.

    Clent
     
  15. sdsoccerpartner

    sdsoccerpartner New Member

    Aug 24, 2008
    Nacional,

    Thanks for the defense!
    You are right about the meaning of the games to the hard core soccer fan. We believe our Charity Season taught us some valuable lessons about operations, marketing, etc.

    For now, it's us against the establishment that doesn't believe San Diego deserves a MLS Team.

    Until the fans show up, I'm sure we will continue to be passed over. We are putting our best foot forward and trust me, the Players are playing hard - just as if they were in the MLS for you; the Fans.

    Regardless of who you support, let's all support Soccer in San Diego!
    (and then hopefully one day MLS!)

    Cheers,
    Clent
     
  16. Jabez Ramone

    Jabez Ramone Member

    Dec 16, 2009
    Southern California
    Thanks for being willing to come on here to provide info about the Flash. I think a lot of us have been following your progress with guarded optimism.

    I've lived in this town most of my life and I had no idea Westview HS existed until I had to go out there for an event recently. The facilities are certainly nice for a high school, but I thought Westview was a nightmare to get to (5-805 merge and then an long crawl down 56). There's certainly nothing out there to make a soccer day out of, but then again - when I think of Balboa Stadium (which has its own issues) I think of it being right next to Balboa Park and Downtown (including the Gaslamp) which seems like a few more entertainment opportunities than what's out there near Westview HS.

    Personally, I like the look of your organization better than Boca's and I wish you hadn't chosen such a remote site for your games. (I'd be saying the same thing if you had chosen another similar location like, RB HS or Eastlake.) I think your appeal is going to be really limited outside of places like 4S Ranch and Poway. I hope that's going to be enough, because it would be nice to see you succeed.
     
  17. whoswho

    whoswho Member

    Feb 10, 2010
    Well you live in Golden Hills no wonder you want it in Downtown......
    North county has a lot of soccer interest and we deserve to have a men's team here too.
    Flash thank you for your honesty.
    We will be watching some games soon in NC.
     
  18. Geyser

    Geyser Member

    Jul 30, 2005
    SD FLASH - When are tryouts for this new NPSL? or have there already been tryouts?

    Where would practices take place during the season?
     
  19. whoswho

    whoswho Member

    Feb 10, 2010
    you can find info at the website and facebook.
     
  20. sandiegosoccerlover

    sandiegosoccerlover New Member

    Nov 7, 2010
    San Diego CA
    Club:
    Manchester United FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Hi Clent.

    First of all im not just another soccer fan, i've been involved in San Diego soccer for well over 40 years. And know more than what you might think. (SHAKE YOUR HEAD AGAIN)

    1. See above
    2. This is a forum, i will come in here discuss with my mates whatever i want and i will also share knowledge i feel they should know.
    3.See above
    4.I doubt the flash will be as succesful as they were back in the 90's. Now that Yan is not in the picture i don't see that happening. (My Opinion)
    5.See above
    6. I was at the Chivas game. Your right the crowd was MAYBE 300. I do apoligize for that.

    Let people discuss what they want. If someone does ask for a question step in. If not leave it alone we are all free to express ourselves.
     
  21. president_nater

    Jan 30, 2008
    Club:
    Manchester United FC
    Instead of being indignant about not getting the respect you feel you're entitled to, maybe share a bit about yourself...so far the only person who has shared anything personal about who he/she is, is Clent.

    Otherwise, you're nothing but another anonymous poster whose comments will be taken at face value. You of course are entitled to your opinion and your part in the discussion just like everyone else. If something about who you are or what you've done has earned you the fortune of being regarded as someone better than "just another soccer fan" like the rest of us, please do share.
     
    1 person likes this.
  22. sandiegosoccerlover

    sandiegosoccerlover New Member

    Nov 7, 2010
    San Diego CA
    Club:
    Manchester United FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Don't worry about who i am. This is not facebook or myspace. Let's stick to soccer. Thank You.
     
  23. Jabez Ramone

    Jabez Ramone Member

    Dec 16, 2009
    Southern California
    So, are you saying you're NOT a beautiful 19 year-old nymphomaniac brewery owner? I may have to stop reading your posts.
     
  24. president_nater

    Jan 30, 2008
    Club:
    Manchester United FC
    I couldn't care less who you are. But if you want to try to claim some sort of extra credibility, or that your opinions should count more than the average Joe on here, you should probably give some reasons why.
     
  25. whoswho

    whoswho Member

    Feb 10, 2010
    I agree. I was called out and let others know that I didn't have an affiliation with the teams. Being honest gives a poster more credibility. Otherwise like stated before we won't consider postings. But lets move on and not worry about their ID, as it seems in the past that poster contacted the moderator to hide their identity. So Whatever.
    Who really cares.
    I am looking forward to the new season.
    What do you guys think about the up coming games......New subject.
     

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