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Post by FullerMagic on Jan 21, 2008 21:53:39 GMT
...looks to be Phil Rawlins' work... Professional Soccer Comes to Austin With British Backing/CAUTION -- ADVANCE FOR RELEASE AT 10:30 A.M. CST WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23/, Announcement of News Briefing:, The United Soccer Leagues (USL), Austin Aztex and Stoke City Football Club will hold a news briefing in Austin to announce the awarding of a USL Divisio
By Austin Aztex
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 23 --
Today heralds a groundbreaking day for sports in Austin with the news that the City will soon be home to its only professional soccer franchise. The new club, Austin Aztex, will play in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division beginning in the 2009 season. The Aztex will play host to teams from all across North America, including Montreal, Atlanta, Minnesota, Vancouver and Miami.
The new franchise has been acquired by Austin Football Holdings LLC, (AFH) under the ownership of British-born business entrepreneur Phil Rawlins. An Austin resident, Rawlins, is also an owner and director of Stoke City F.C., who play in the English Championship. He has held an ownership interest in Stoke City F.C. for more than seven years and brings a wealth of management experience in soccer operations.
The Austin Aztex will have an official affiliation with Stoke City F.C. which will begin immediately. The affiliation will include the English club holding their summer training camp in Austin, scouting for talent both locally and across the US, exchanging players with the Aztex and sharing best practices between the two clubs.
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring a top-class professional soccer franchise to Austin," said Rawlins. "Central Texas has long been a hot-bed of young soccer talent with over 35,000 kids playing the game locally. Today's announcement gives these youngsters and talented players throughout Texas something to aim for and the chance of playing soccer at the very highest level. I am very excited about the affiliation agreement with Stoke and the European exposure that gives both the Aztex and our players. My goal is to make the Aztex a community-based club that makes Austin proud."
Stoke City Welcomes the Aztex
Stoke City F.C. Chief Executive Tony Scholes welcomed the Austin Aztex with these words: "Working with someone that we know and respect like Phil Rawlins, in a booming soccer marketplace like the States, made our official affiliation an easy decision for Stoke City. We feel certain that the Aztex will be a major success both in Austin and across the U.S., and look forward to a long and mutually profitable relationship between Stoke City and the Austin Aztex."
Austin Expansion Key to USL Plans
"For the past few years, USL has been dedicated to expanding our relationships beyond the shores of North America and this announcement is another landmark moment in this quest," said USL Founder and President Francisco Marcos. "I firmly believe that Phil Rawlins understands, and is fully committed to, the concept of international relationships as the way to speed up American player development and to further the creation of thriving soccer culture in the US. Following in the footsteps of Crystal Palace Baltimore, who began play last season, and of our recently announced partnership with West Ham United, this is a significant moment in the history and growth of the USL First Division. This announcement of the USL First Division's return to Texas is also representative of the League's commitment for growth as we continue our discussions in multiple markets for additional expansion clubs west of the Mississippi."
Coach to be Announced Soon
The Austin Aztex will immediately begin their search for a club Head Coach. Parties interested in the position should hold a minimum of a UEFA "A" license or equivalent and have more than ten years of professional coaching experience. Applicants can send their resume to coaches@austinaztex.com.
Acquisition
As part of today's news, AFH also announced that it will be acquiring the controlling interest in the Austin Stampede, an expansion team in the USL Premier Development League (PDL). The Stampede will immediately become the Austin Aztex U23 team and will compete in the Southern Conference, Mid South Division in the 2008 season.
Contact:
David Day -- Director of Communications, Austin Aztex
Phone: 512-266-4566
E-mail: dday@austinaztex.com
Gerald Barnhart -- Director of Public Relations, USL Phone: 813-963-3909 ext 247 E-mail: Gerald.barnhart@uslsoccer.com
www.austinaztex.com
SOURCE Austin Aztex
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Post by Davef on Jan 21, 2008 21:55:27 GMT
That's got to be your best spot yet. ;D
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Post by robin1302 on Jan 21, 2008 21:55:30 GMT
so we're off to the US next summer then ;D
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Post by LH_SCFC on Jan 21, 2008 21:56:02 GMT
"And the goal getter top bodies it into the score bag. One goal point to City."
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Post by StoKeith on Jan 21, 2008 21:58:43 GMT
I reckon I spotted it at the same time - just got distracted as I was posting it!  |
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Post by POS51 on Jan 21, 2008 21:59:35 GMT
Seems a positive move.
Quite exciting in fact.
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Post by doghair on Jan 21, 2008 22:02:20 GMT
Nice one PR ;D
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Post by LL Cool Dave on Jan 21, 2008 22:02:58 GMT
I really wished they'd have called it Austin Allegro.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Jan 21, 2008 22:04:24 GMT
Good Old Phil.
Now if we can persuade the club to offer subsidised flights this summer we can book our American Holidays with confidence. ;D
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Post by LH_SCFC on Jan 21, 2008 22:05:04 GMT
My Austin-ks tonight! Damn curry!
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Post by Jamo on the wing on Jan 21, 2008 22:05:24 GMT
That's a very interesting proposition and will provide a good link with an up and coming football nation and will certainly increase our standing on an international basis. Can't see we have anything to lose and we possibly have much to gain. Buxton, Broomes and Vincent to be transferred to the States anyone?  |
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Post by FullerMagic on Jan 21, 2008 22:07:31 GMT
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Post by Olgrligm on Jan 21, 2008 22:09:17 GMT
Makes a change from Austria. I'd love to know how you found that.
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Post by DentySCFC on Jan 21, 2008 22:20:40 GMT
We can sent lil Ant there.  |
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Post by fullerlegend on Jan 21, 2008 22:21:06 GMT
sounds like fun |
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Post by regattastokie on Jan 21, 2008 22:34:52 GMT
Top spot yet again.
Grapey, always first with the real news!
Seems a positive move but can't see any real benefits for us short term. Long term, who knows?
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Post by EccyStokie on Jan 21, 2008 22:37:30 GMT
Stoke City Soccer ball.... maybe we'll get cheerleaders!
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Post by s8to on Jan 21, 2008 22:44:50 GMT
A great part of the USA to visit
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Post by mermaidsal on Jan 21, 2008 22:45:14 GMT
Great piece of spotting - and I reckon now we know what TP meant a few weeks ago when he was being enigmatic about sourcing talent in a particular country, remember?
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Post by stokecityscott on Jan 21, 2008 22:45:26 GMT
Does this mean our shirts will be on sale over in texas now then?
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Post by bettyswallocks on Jan 21, 2008 22:56:07 GMT
Half of our team is made up of non white players. This is the same place as the red neck.
Oh and inbred ( ay, at least the biddulphers will feel at home) ;D
Wonder what reception we will get
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Post by Dallas Cowboy on Jan 21, 2008 23:06:32 GMT
What Phil said about it being a hotbed of talent is not strictly true. Of those 35,000 youngsters playing "soccer," the vast majority are girls. And the real talent in Texas, those of Mexican descent, don't get a look in as far as the organized game in schools and colleges. I guess Phil is just a sucker for lost causes.  |
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Post by Dallas Cowboy on Jan 21, 2008 23:09:34 GMT
Betty, dearest, you are talking something that rhymes with your name. Ever looked at the players in the Dallas Cowboys?  |
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Post by bettyswallocks on Jan 21, 2008 23:12:34 GMT
Im going to have a guess that they may be black then dallas?
Sorry random moment of sterotyping
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Jan 21, 2008 23:13:43 GMT
Why don't the Latino players get a look in?
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Post by bettyswallocks on Jan 21, 2008 23:14:49 GMT
Too busy picking fruit and veg There I go again , oooops |
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Post by LL Cool Dave on Jan 21, 2008 23:22:30 GMT
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Post by Dallas Cowboy on Jan 21, 2008 23:25:17 GMT
You are forgiven, Betty, for your momentary lapse. Fornside, I am suprised that you have to ask. Basically, the Latino families by and large are from the poorer sections of the community and they don't do as well at school. Sport in America is largely organized through the educational system, be it the high schools or colleges. And like, I say, "soccer" at school is seen more as a girls' game. If the authorities in the US could take on board the fact that best players often come from poor backgrounds and attempted to recruit those players, the US could become a force to be reckoned with in World Soccer. Maybe Phil's involvement with the Austin team might start to put things right in at least one place in the USA. |
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Post by twisty on Jan 21, 2008 23:27:37 GMT
Top spot yet again. Grapey, always first with the real news! This was else where at least 2 weeks ago. |
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Post by bettyswallocks on Jan 21, 2008 23:28:32 GMT
One thing
Can we please stop using the word soccer, it really annoys me for some reason
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