Sports News
20 November 2011
Beswicks Sports seal US soccer franchise deal for VisionPro Sports Institute
Beswicks Sports is pleased to announce that VisionPro Sports Institute (VSI) has acquired franchises from United Soccer Leagues (USL) to operate teams in Tampa, Florida competing in USL Pro, PDL, W-League and Super-20 Leagues. As part of the venture, VSI will also be establishing an international elite soccer academy in Tampa which will follow the model adopted in La Manga Spain and planned for Portugal next year along with a partnership with Brandon FC Flames, a local Tampa youth soccer club.
Tim Bailey of Beswicks Sports was instrumental in sealing the deal having introduced VSI to USL some months ago, since when he has been acting in an advisory capacity to VSI in planning its US operation and in the run up to the launch of the La Manga academy.
"I am delighted to have been able to see this deal come to fruition" Tim said. "Our knowledge of the North American soccer market and relationship with USL has enabled VSI to expand into this most important territory which I am confident will be a great success. It's a perfect fit for both parties and will offer the opportunity for many talented kids to have a route to the professional game not just in the US, but internationally".
VSI is supported by current and former English Premier League players and managers, including the former Arsenal and England star, Ian Wright, VSI's international ambassador. Many of the players involved act as mentors to the VSI academy scholars under its fully funded scholarship programs run by highly qualified coaches and teachers who pass on the skills players need to make the grade.
Ian Wright
"The combination of our partnership with the Brandon FC Flames and our USL franchise teams lays the perfect platform for vertical progression, giving talented youngsters the opportunity to progress from junior soccer all the way through to the professional game", VSI CEO Simon Crane said. "VSI is dedicated to elite performance and we are confident that our USL franchises will be strong, successful and, importantly, profitable".
"This is a great day for the Tampa soccer community, most notably youth players and fans", USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. "Not only will an elite academy be established so top young talent can pursue their professional dreams, but Tampa will have new professional and elite men's and women's amateur teams to support for years to come. Backed by some of the top names in world soccer, VSI will make a difference for Tampa soccer".
Founded in 1975, the Brandon FC Flames boast more than 3000 players in a wide variety of soccer programmes including Classic Soccer (recreational), TOP soccer (Special needs), Elite Soccer (competitive) and Adult Soccer. Brandon FC is dedicated to providing a positive and rewarding soccer experience for all players of all ages and abilities.
"Brandon FC is very excited to be partnering with two organisations with incredible reputations in VSI and USL" Brandon FC's Randy Belli said. "Throughout the process, we have discovered that the benefits to all parties involved will be outstanding. The vertical integration of youth soccer through to professional level is something that we have been striving to achieve. The real winners from this partnership are the players and the fans".
"I am delighted that our VSI soccer business now extends across the Atlantic and embraces North America thorugh our Tampa franchises," VSI Chairman Neil Caisley said. "It has been a major part of our plans for growing the business and we look forward to exciting times ahead and becoming part of the USL family".
USL PRO is the strongest, most sophisticated and most experienced North American men's professional soccer league below MLS, both on and off the field. Focused on franchise stability and longevity, USL PRO featured 12 teams in 2011 and an unprecedented six teams with more than a decade of operational experience.
The top development men's league in North America, the PDL featured 64 teams within four conferences across the United States and Canada in 2011. The first and longest-standing women's league in North America, the W-League is USL's highest level of women's soccer in the United States and Canada and featured 27 teams in three regional conferences in 2011.
The Super-20 League is the only U20 men's and women's North American amateur league and it provides the platform for top 17-20 year olds in the United States and Canada to compete at the elite level.
For more information on the opportunities available in the US call Tim Bailey on +44 1782 205000 or email tim.bailey@beswicks.com.
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