By Staff
KALAMAZOO – TKO Soccer Club has announced today that they have purchased franchise rights from United Soccer Leagues (USL) to field teams in the Premier Development League (PDL) and W-League for play in 2008.
"We are very excited to make this announcement. These teams are an important part of our communities and will allow both boys and girls the opportunities they might not otherwise have," said Doug Hammerberg, TKO Club President. "This represents the next step in TKO's history and a great opportunity for some of our top area soccer players."
USL Executive Vice President &COO Tim Holt was equally enthusiastic about the addition of TKO.
"TKO has an over 20 year history in West Michigan and we are excited to have them as partners in the PDL and W-League beginning in May 2008. Kalamazoo has been a successful and important market for USL and we believe the club is a natural fit for our structure," Holt said.
The new PDL (men's team) and W-League (women's team) teams are expected to begin league play in May of 2008 and are tentatively planning on utilizing Mayors Riverfront Park as the home stadium.
"We have had some preliminary discussions with the City of Kalamazoo Staff regarding a lease agreement," Hammerberg said. "Although it has not yet been finalized, it looks like it is on track and the city seems enthused about the potential of having both teams play games at the stadium."
Mayors Riverfront Park seats 3,000 people for soccer and currently has a natural grass surface. The venue fits the requirements of the PDL and with both a PDL and W-League teams, could even be utilized in a double header format to maximize exposure for both franchises.
TKO also announced a contest to name the team(s).
"These teams are for our kids and our communities and we want to get them involved. Just think how exciting it would be to tell your friends, I named that team!" said Jeff Richards, TKO Board Member. Prizes will range from team apparel to a Family Season Pass.
Deadline for submissions is April 20.
Although the beginning of team training and player selection is nearly a year away, the search for a coaching staff has already begun. TKO Technical Director Rich Labadie has begun to identify potential coaching candidates for both franchises.
"I am looking at both coaches within and outside of West Michigan," Labadie said. "The committee and I want coaches that can not only field a competitive team, but also support our club growth and player development goals."
It is expected that a preliminary list of candidates will be submitted to a Coach Selection Committee by May 1. Interviews and selection will be targeted for completion by July 1, so that the successful candidate(s) can begin to scout existing league teams and begin the process of identifying prospective players yet this season.