The American Soccer League (ASL) is proud to announce that the Philadelphia Fury have joined the league.
“We expect to put a young and competitive team together on the field,” Fury President/CEO Matt Driver stated. “We want to embrace the spirit of the league by allowing young American players the chance to showcase their abilities on a national stage.”
The Philadelphia Fury is an iconic soccer brand set to make history again by joining American Soccer League (ASL) for its inaugural season in 2014. Originally founded in 1978, the Fury brand was dormant for decades before Driver resurrected the team in 2012. The Fury played two years in US Club Soccer’s National Adult League (NAL) before deciding to turn pro. The team is built on local talent and will provide local players an opportunity to showcase their abilities on a national stage.
The Fury hopes to have many players on their roster that are products of the local youth clubs. The club has always placed an emphasis on developing local players and that mindset will carry over to the ASL team.
The club is led by Driver, one of the country’s most innovative soccer minds. His vast experience includes time with some of the biggest brands in the region, including the New England Revolution (MLS), Philadelphia Independence (WPS), Philadelphia Fever (WPSL Elite), South Jersey Barons (USL), AC Diablos (NPSL and WPSL), and AC Crusaders (NPSL).
“We bring years of experience building and managing leagues,” Driver concluded. “We also bring a proven business model at the team level. We believe our biggest contribution to the league will be the leadership found within our organization that other teams can emulate.”
They will continue to be involved in the community of Philadelphia and South New Jersey, working with youth organizations and clubs.
“We are ecstatic to see everything come into fruition,” Driver added. “Watching spreadsheets and presentations transform into league bylaws and minimum standards has been nothing short of a wild adventure, which I am happy to see has turned into something tangible for others to share the excitement over.”
The ASL recently unveiled its new temporary league website at www.ASLsoccer.us. The update is one of the many steps the upstart league has taken to prepare itself for its August 2014 launch.
“We’re happy with the progress we’ve made as a league up to this point,” said Driver. “We are creating a platform for the future league website and have launched a temporary site to provide us a medium to distribute information to all parties interested in the ASL.”
The website will contain information about the league, its teams, and the front office. It will also serve as a hub for potential team owners interested in joining the league.