It's a matter of public record now...today the initial proposal for a new soccer-specific stadium on the grounds of the old Western Playland at Ascarate Park were put forward at Commissioner's Court. I'm not too keen on the specifics of what was put forward and who was there to do it, but there will be news on this, I'm sure. This is a VERY early part of the process and it won't be voted on for awhile, but the first step to a new grounds has been put forward. If you know the history behind the support the Patriots have been trying for from either El Paso city or county government, it's just a big, big step regardless of where things go from here. On the way back to First Division, hopefully sooner rather than later (though likely not next season, as had been hoped), and Scoop Two will be coming soon.
Does scoop 2 involve a new GM? Congrats on getting a great guy to El Paso as they steal Al Oatsvall from the Des Moines Menace. You will be very happy with him as he has done great things in Des Moines...just ask anybody on the Menace thread.
I will attest that Al is a great guy and will do very good things in the El Paso marketplace to move soccer further forward. Take care of him out there guys!
That would be Scoop Two. I didn't want to say anything out of respect for Al's situation, just because I didn't know if the word was out in Des Moines. Believe me, Patriots fans are ready for what we know Al will bring to the table. We're excited, and I know the organization is as well. This is a very good thing.
It's that time of the year again to get things rolling. Just a few updates on the happenings around ELP with the Patriots. During the off season we have been working on youth development and I am pleased to say that it has gone very well. We have also developed 2 tournaments to take place in early 08. We will be hosting a first ever Futsal Tournament January 25-27 and a "Girls Only" tournament February 22-24. Both tournaments will be held here in ELP and will be great events for youth development and recognition. We are still working towards securing our coach for the 2008 season and the schedule is in the works. We have updated our website and it continues to get even better everyday. Make sure to check it out at www.elpaso-patriots.com. As the collegiate seasson is wrapping up we have several awesome prospects that we are hoping to get into camp for 2008. Be sure to follow the website as we are getting real close to securing the dates for our 2008 try-outs. That's it for now, I'll keep you posted.
I've kept tabs on you guys out in El Paso for many years now, going back to when us in Houston had a USL Div-3 team back in the day, our old Houston Hurricanes FC. Congrats on the first step to getting a stadium deal done over there in the Sun City. Y'all are the oldest pro soccer team in Texas history. Y'all deserve a stadium as I can recall Patriots games at the old city run ground. El Paso matches used to be on TV every once in a while as some A-League matches back in the late 90's would be on the local FoxSW broadcast in Lubbock. I remember El Paso making the USOC Cup Final as well. Get 'er done!