Florida need an A-League soccer team at least

There's been some in the past. I haven't heard any talk recently of any investors interested in plopping one down in Florida.

 

Are there any USL teams in Florida -- especially the Treasure Coast area of St.Lucie and Martin counties? My wife and I plan to retire there in the next 5 years (an eternity where USL teams are concerned), and if I have to follow an amateur over-30 men's league that's what I'll do.

I won't follow an over-30 women's league. I might want to play in it though.

 

I just loved the Tampa Bay Rowdies logo. T'was my favorite shirt in the drawer at one time.




Bring back the Rowdies

 

Any concrete eveidence for Tampa. I had heard there was activity for an a-league and an idea for a complex that would provide camps and training. That was about a month ago and I haven't heard anything since.

 

So has Ajax Orlando given up on trying to be an A-league team?

 

I've heard rumours of both the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and Tampa Bay Rowdies being resurrected in the A-league. If so, that'd be just incredible. What next? NY Cosmos A-league side?!

 

What is the source of the rumors you heard? I have been reading about "rumors" in 2003 and then nothing happened and throughout 2004 there have been talk, but again, nothing has been officially confirmed.

Who is involved in bringing back the Strikers and Rowdies? Does anyone know?

 

I think the time is ripe for successful teams in Florida. I think the key will be to follow the model created by Atlanta Silverbacks.

See the webpage for a clear understanding:

http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/club/clubplans.php

In this way Atlanta creates a loyal following through its amateur and youth systems and creates revenue streams and lucrative second jobs for the players through the training camps, workout facilities, sports bar, etc. I believe they will offer "club membership" to season ticket holders, allowing them to full access to the center and get VIP treatment at the sports bar.

Think about it: professionally kept training fields, a high class soccer sports bar, a pool, tennis courts, jogging track, gym, indoor center, and a first class professional 5000 seat stadium. This will draw in many people not normally willing to support any pro-soccer team, let alone a USL one. I believe this is the model of all future teams, including MLS.

And the dirt is moving.

 

Any indication when they are going to make an official announcement?

I can't wait to have soccer back in S. FL.

 

I was needing some advice......By reading the board you seem the person to ask...I played pro soccer back in the UK for Chelsea F.C....and have recently moved out here (palm beach)....2 things really! The first is this "Rumour" about needing a team in south florida...I want to know if you know of anyone who is contactable about this as i maybe able to help? and secondly If you know of any team close to where I am who is of a top standard! I am trying to find a team to join...
If you can help that would be great.....cheers!

 

I don't mean to get too off topic here, but if anybody could private message me any info about soccer stuff in Orlando (leagues/places to watch games/soccer channels available/etc) I would be most appreciative. My wife & I are moving to Orlando in 3 weeks for a job (for her...I still have to find something) and we don't know anyone down there or much about the place. I am excited to see Ajax Orlando wants to start an A-League team.

 

Has anyone heard anything new along the lines of this thread? I am very anxious for new news.

 

With the news that the United States under-20 team will play Brazil at Lockhart Stadium next month comes word that the stadium may have a permanent tenant in 2005.

Soccer promoter Eddie Rodger, who is staging the U.S.-Brazil game with Miami-based Traffic USA and U.S. Soccer, said he's in discussions with a prospective investor to field an A-League franchise in Fort Lauderdale beginning next season.

Rodger, whose 25-year involvement in South Florida soccer dates back to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, said he's working with ex-Striker star and former Fusion coach Ray Hudson on the project. This is Rodger's second attempt to land an A-League team since the Fusion's demise. But where the first effort faltered, this one may stick.

Rodger declined to specify who he was talking with, but described the group as "very serious" and, from the sound of it, ambitious.

"These are not first-timers," Rodger said. "These are people that know the game, and they know the market very well. They're looking to make a long-term investment in building an A-league franchise to MLS caliber in South Florida."

Rodger held extensive talks with an Argentine group last year, but the partnership broke off in November. The current effort gained momentum with the staging of two friendlies at Lockhart last month, both of which drew in excess of 9,000 fans.

The impressive, if not overwhelming, midweek turnouts (for the U.S. under-20s-Haiti select and Honduras-Ecuador) were augmented by a generally well-run game-day operation under Rodger's company KICS International. One of the appeals for placing an A-League team at Lockhart is Rodger's ability to generate revenues by staging international friendlies.

"The potential investors came to both games, and they were very impressed with both events," Rodger said.

"There are still a lot of things that have to fall in place," Rodger cautioned. "Discussions are being held with the league about Tampa as well, which would bring both of us in at the same time. It would be more viable and sensible to do it if both teams come in; in terms of travel costs, competition with the rivalry and the division setup."

Hudson deferred when asked to comment, saying he'll have something to add when the project is further along. Clearly, however, his focus is on working with Rodger to place a new team at Lockhart. Hudson has been involved in meetings with the interested investor and recently turned down an offer to become the color commentator for the San Jose Earthquakes.

Bishop's move

In an interview posted on Manchester City's Web site, former Fusion midfielder Ian Bishop said he'll set up residence in Florida after completing a season as player-coach with the New Orleans Shell Shockers in the Professional Development League.

Bishop, 39, told Man City, where he had two stints in an 18-year English League career, that he "loved" his time in South Florida and would look to get involved with an A-League team next year, should there be one. He sold the pub he owned in Southport, England, and is working to move his wife, Jane, and their three kids stateside.

Bring on Brazil

United States under-20 coach Thomas Rongen reports that $5,500 was donated to the Nicole Megaloudis Foundation from the April 21 friendly between the U.S. and Haiti select.

Megaloudis, 19, who played at Virginia Commonwealth, died in a February car accident.

The evening was so splendid, from the money raised in honor of his stepdaughter to the enthusiastic response from fans, that Rongen said it may become an annual event.

"We want to do it again next year, be it with the under-20s or an MLS team," he said. "It's going to happen because of the response."

Rongen's U-20s will play Brazil on June 16 at Lockhart. By that time, Freddy Adu will have turned 15.

"I know I am, and I'm sure the team is looking forward to the challenge of playing Brazil in a place that treated us very well the last time we were there," Rongen said. "It could be even better in terms of spectators and the level of the game."