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Category Archives: NPSL

Fans Select Vaqueros as Name for Fort Worth Team, Logo Contest Announced

Photo Credit: Fort Worth Vaqueros

Viva Vaqueros!

Vaqueros now roam Fort Worth, not on horseback, but on the soccer field after more than 1,000 supporters voted online or in-person for the name of Fort Worth’s new NPSL soccer club.

The Fort Worth Soccer Group unveiled the name Vaqueros on Thursday in a special ceremony in the Fort Worth Stockyards. The event featured supporters, team officials, coaches and city leaders such as Fort Worth City Council member and director of the Fort Worth Sports Authority, Dennis Shingleton.

“Fort Worth is excited to now have a soccer team to call its own,” Shingleton said. “The expectations are high for this challenging initiative, but the rewards are great for our citizens and devoted soccer fans. This is the beginning step for professional soccer in Fort Worth and we could not be more enthusiastic. Let’s get started.”

Fort Worth City Council member Sal Espino represents the Fort Worth district that includes LaGrave Field, the Vaqueros home field beginning May 9.

“We are excited to have the world’s most popular sport in Fort Worth at historic LaGrave Field,” Espino said.

The name Vaqueros appropriately fits a Fort Worth soccer club considering the city’s rich history including the Stockyards, the Stock Show, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and the overall cowboy culture.

“We had complete faith in the Fort Worth soccer supporters to choose a meaningful name,” Director of Business Operations Tobias Xavier Lopez said. “Intelligent fans want a name that is indicative of their city and culture. The name Vaqueros features completely unique imagery that speaks to the city’s history and the Hispanic community. It’s original, relevant, and provides the Fort Worth Soccer Group and our supporters the opportunity to build a powerful brand that can become a point of pride for Fort Worth.”

The next stage of fan involvement now begins as the supporters will be encouraged to design and then vote on the Vaqueros logo.

Fans are encouraged to submit their unique logo design to [email protected] beginning today, February 14.

Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. central time on Friday, February 28, 2014.

The Top-2 fan created logos will join a professionally commissioned design to make up the final three logos to be unveiled on Monday, March 3.

Just as fans selected the name Vaqueros, supporters will then vote; both via social media and in person community events and meetings from March 3-16 for their favorite of the final three designs.

“The reason soccer players kiss their shirt after scoring a goal is because they want to show respect for the badge or shield.  The logo means so much in the soccer culture,” Director of Business Operations Tobias Xavier Lopez said. “The Vaqueros logo will carry a powerful weight because it will represent the voice and vision of the Fort Worth community.”

The fan submissions selected as finalists will receive a Vaqueros prize package, which will include an Authentic PUMA Vaqueros jersey and a season seat.

Logo Contest Schedule

February 14-28: Fans and designers submit logos

March 3: Final 3 designs revealed, voting begins at www.fortworthvaqueros.com and in person

March 16: Deadline for fans to vote

March 20: VIP Cocktail party to unveil the logo and official team PUMA gear

Mitre Named Official Ball Sponsor for NPSL

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that Mitre will provide the league with match balls for the next three years as the league’s Official Match Ball Sponsor.

Established in England in 1817, Mitre is recognized as the world’s oldest manufacturer of soccer balls. Now leading the way internationally in the manufacture of balls, boots, and accessories for soccer and rugby, Mitre continues to push the boundaries of sporting technology. Mitre is the registered trademark of Mitre Sports International Limited.

“The NPSL is excited to announce that Mitre will be the Official Match Ball of the National Premier Soccer League and over 80 NPSL clubs all over the country,” NPSL Commissioner Michael Hitchcock commented. “Mitre is providing a great match ball which will help our players play at the highest level. The NPSL Match Ball will be branded with the NPSL logo and colors. We look forward to partnering with Mitre, a company who shares the NPSL’s commitment to growing the game all over theUnited States of America.”

Mitre is associated with some of the biggest names and brands in the beautiful game. Internationally, Mitre sponsors The English Football League, the Scottish Premier League, and the Football Association of Wales. Mitre is the official ball of the Capital One Cup in England. Mitre also sponsors Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

“We are very excited to partner with the NPSL as the official ball for the next three years,” Mitre USA Marketing Coordinator Chris Lee stated. “2013 was a whirlwind year for the brand in the United States and we are happy to start 2014 with an announcement like this. Mitre has been at the heart of global soccer for nearly 200 years and we look forward to supporting its continued growth in the USA.”

Mitre will be a Presenting Sponsor of the NPSL’s national playoffs. Last year’s playoff series ended with RVA FC defeating the Sonoma County Sol 2-0 in front of a great crowd at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond,VA.

The NPSL is a national league that operates in the 4th Division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). The NPSL is the fastest-growing national soccer league in the U.S., operating in 70+ markets across the country. Two Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, operate U-23 squads in the NPSL.

The NPSL Comes to San Antonio

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that Corinthians FC of San Antonio has joined the league as an expansion team. They will begin play in the South Central Conference of the South Region in 2014.

“San Antonio is one of the top soccer markets in the country, as evidenced by the success of the San Antonio Scorpions,” NPSL Commissioner Michael Hitchcock remarked. “NPSL is excited to welcome the Corinthians FC of San Antonio who are led by a dynamic owner, Pete Veras, who is committed to growing the game in his community and providing opportunities for local players to develop.”

Corinthians FC of SA is led by Veras and Vice President/Head Coach Jonathan Burklo. Veras is the owner and operator of V Medical, one of the leading medical equipment providers in the state of Texas. Burklo is a former professional player that spent time in Norway and Finland before returning to the U.S. with the Wilmington Hammerheads as well as reserve squads for D.C. United, FC Dallas, and Houston Dynamo. Most recently Burko served as an assistant coach with Our Lady of the Lake University after spending time with Lonestar SC San Antonio, NEYSO Liberty SC, and the San Antonio Christian Schools.

“Our goals will always be to improve our community by inspiring, training and transforming our staff, our players, and our volunteers by leaning on our faith and spiritual direction,” Veras declared. “We hope you will join us in accomplishing our vision of serving, ministering, and discipling throughout the communities here in San Antonio and helping us to grow the sport that so many of our community members love.”

Home matches will be played at Toyota Field, the home of the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions. The soccer-specific facility features a natural Bermuda playing surface and seating for over 8,000 fans.

“We are excited to join the NPSL, the fastest growing national league in the U.S.,” Burklo added. “Over the last few years, the quality of competition has risen to a very high standard and we are excited to take part in the summer of 2014. I’m confident we will be able to put a team on the field that represents San Antonio well and is competitive from the start.”

Founded in 2009, Corinthians FC of SA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that has been dedicated to serving the communities in and around the San Antonio area. Corinthians FC of SA is a Christian-based professional soccer club whose mission is to build athletes of all ages through positive and encouraging inspiration and training, transforming each athlete into champions for the future, on and off the field.

The club can be found at www.corinthiansfcsa.com and on Twitter/Instagram @corinthiansfcsa.

San Antonio joins Inter United FC (Tukwila, WA), Seattle NPSL (Seattle, WA), ASA Charge (Gambrills, MD), Del Rey City SC (Los Angeles, CA), Spartans Futbol Club (Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA), SO Samba FC (Hood River, OR), FC Carolina Discoveries (Rock Hill, SC), BCS Clash (Bryan-College Station, TX), Minnesota United FC Reserves (Blaine, MN), Greater Lowell Football Club (Lowell, MA), Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves (Atlanta, GA), NPSL Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach, VA), FC Bordo Saint Louis (St. Louis, MO), PA West Soccer (Pittsburgh, PA), Gate City FC (Greensboro, NC), Nashville Atlas FC (Nashville, TN), Virginia Legacy (Williamsburg, VA), Cincinnati Saints (Cincinnati, OH), Dallas City FC (Dallas, TX), Temecula FC (Temecula, CA), Storm FC (Broward County, FL), and Lansing United (Lansing, MI) as expansion clubs for the 2014 season.

The NPSL is a national league that operates in the 4th Division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). The NPSL is the fastest-growing national soccer league in the U.S., operating in 70+ markets across the country. Two Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, operate U-23 squads in the NPSL.

The NPSL Grows with Inter United FC

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that Inter United Football Club (Tukwila, WA) has joined the league as an expansion team.  They will begin play in the new Northwest Conference of the West Region in 2014.

“It’s great news that we’re adding our second Seattle area NPSL team with the announcement that Inter United has joined the NPSL,” NPSL Commissioner Michael Hitchcock stated. “Seattle has a strong history of growing soccer in the U.S., not to mention the incredible success of Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders.  The NPSL and Inter United will be a great addition to the local soccer landscape and bring another community-based club who is committed to growing the game.”

Inter United FC is led by Nasir Tura, who currently serves as varsity soccer coach at Foster HS and director of the Seattle Community Cup.  Tura also operates a non-profit organization called Access for Success: Building Communities in Africa, which focuses on education, healthcare, and agricultural development.

“The successes of Inter United FC are built through grassroots work in the community,” Tura commented. “We are constantly collaborating with local organizations, coaches, players and fans with the goal of working together to advance soccer at all levels within the City of Tukwila and King County, Washington.”

The team will play their home matches at Neudorf Memorial Stadium in Tukwila. The facility, which was built in 2002, features an artificial playing surface and seating for 3,000 fans.

“We will bring a blend of international players to the NPSL,” Tura added. “Joining the NPSL is an amazing opportunity for us. It is the perfect league, the perfect region, and the perfect timing.”

More information about the club can be found on the web at www.interunitedfc.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/internationalunitedfc, or on Instagram @interunitedfc.

Inter United will join Seattle NPSL (Seattle, WA), ASA Charge (Gambrills, MD), Del Rey City SC (Los Angeles, CA), Spartans Futbol Club (Portland,OR/Vancouver,WA), SO Samba FC (Hood River, OR), FC Carolina Discoveries (Rock Hill, SC), BCS Clash (Bryan-College Station, TX), Minnesota United FC Reserves (Blaine, MN), Greater Lowell Football Club (Lowell, MA), Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves (Atlanta, GA), NPSL Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach, VA), FC Bordo Saint Louis (St. Louis, MO), PA West Soccer (Pittsburgh, PA),Gate City FC (Greensboro, NC), Nashville Atlas FC (Nashville, TN), Virginia Legacy (Williamsburg, VA), Cincinnati Saints (Cincinnati, OH), Dallas City FC (Dallas, TX), Temecula FC (Temecula, CA), Storm FC(Broward County, FL), and Lansing United (Lansing, MI) as expansion teams for the 2014 season.

The NPSL is a national league that operates in the 4th Division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). The NPSL is the fastest-growing national soccer league in theU.S., operating in 70+ markets across the country. Two Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, operate U-23 squads in the NPSL.

Famous Soccer Announcer Luis Omar Tapia Invests in Cape Coral Hurricanes

Photo Courtesy of the Cape Coral Hurricanes

The Cape Coral Hurricanes have had steady and impressive growth over the past couple of years but now they have taken a huge step toward international credibility as they announced today that renowned television analyst Luis Omar Tapia has joined their ownership group.

“It has always been a personal goal of mine to contribute in ownership of a team and promote local, community growth,” stated Mr. Tapia. “I believe in the importance of grassroots initiatives. I support ethical, local businesses and everything they stand for so it only makes sense to me to partner with J.P. and the Cape Coral Hurricanes.”

Hurricanes General Manager J.P. Terrasi is extremely excited about working with such a high profile, television personality.  “I spent quite a bit of time this year talking with potential new partners but when I was introduced to Mr. Tapia, we both seemed to have the same view for growing the game.  I’m extremely honored to have a partner like him to grow our organization.  He is extremely well-respected in the soccer community and is one of the most popular soccer personalities in the Hispanic market worldwide.  I couldn’t be happier and could not have dreamed of having a better partner.”

Luis Omar Tapia is arguably one of the most influential sports television personalities of our time.  In his over two decade career, Mr. Tapia has proven himself to be an asset to the communications, media and sports industries.

With five FIFA World Cups, countless television shows, awards, exclusive interviews with the sport’s biggest names; and several University speeches, Luis Omar Tapia (dubbed “El Patron”) has become synonymous with legendary, fast-paced play-by-play announcing. His quick-witted style and expertise of the game excites and entertains masses of loyal fans. He has many shows under his belt, including Fox’s La Liga and ESPN’s Fuera de Juego and Dream Job.

Before joining ESPN, Mr. Tapia worked as a sports commentator for Telemundo in Hartford, Connecticut. During EURO ’96 he worked as a soccer analyst in the English language and was the narrator of the EURO 2000 in Holland–Belgium.

“I live and breathe soccer, it’s just something that runs in my veins,” exclaims Mr. Tapia. “Soccer has the ability to bring communities and families together, create employment, raise awareness and keep our youth away from drugs and alcohol. The power of the sport of soccer is not yet 100% appreciated in the U.S. but it is growing and it’s growing at a rapid pace.  I think being involved with a team in a developmental league like the NPSL is a great step and I was impressed with what the Hurricanes have done thus far and their vision for the future.”