Independence Youth Club Affiliate Program Grows in Size, Scope, and Recognition
Thirty Youth Clubs Sign On as Official Affiliates of Philadelphia’s New Women’s Pro Soccer Team
PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 5, 2009) The Philadelphia Independence Club Affiliate Program is making a splash in the youth soccer community, rapidly expanding in both its reach and impact around Philadelphia. The new Women’s Professional Soccer Team in Philly hasn’t actually played a game yet. In fact, they don’t take the field for another four months, but their community outreach is full throttle long before the 2010 kickoff. Becoming embedded in the youth soccer community was placed as one of the organization’s top priorities from the outset, and the positive impact of the Club Affiliate Program is an affirmation of that commitment. The Independence has been embraced by the youth soccer community in the Philadelphia area, and the youth players in Affiliate Clubs are reaping the benefits of the time and energy the Independence has invested in its community outreach efforts.
Since its launch at the end of July, the Independence Club Affiliate Program has grown to include an impressive thirty youth clubs spanning four different states. Although the majority of Affiliates are located in Pennsylvania and South Jersey, clubs in both Delaware and Maryland have welcomed the program and made the Independence “their team” for the 2010 season. The Independence has begun forming a unique relationship with each Club Affiliate, and has been taking part in events ranging from major tournaments to picture days. Affiliates have inside access to Independence players and news, along with first opportunity to take advantage of everything new and exciting the Independence has to offer. Access to player appearances, in-game opportunities and discounted tickets are all benefits of the program that give clubs a different level of involvement with a professional sports organization.
The thirty current Affiliates run the gamut in their make-up. Some clubs have five teams, while others are well over fifty, but they are all part of the program for the same reason: to truly take advantage of having a Women’s Professional Soccer team in their own backyard. Director of Outreach, Kelly Rowland, appreciates the diversity of clubs involved with the Independence. “When we put together our Affiliate Program, we felt it was really important that every club have the opportunity to get involved, regardless of its size, skill level, or demographic. Every kid should have the chance to connect with a professional sports team, and having accessible role models who have achieved such a high level of success is a great asset to aspiring athletes.”
President of Amity AC, Dave Braunsberg, signed his club up as one of the Independence’s first five Affiliates and has reaped the benefits of the relationship. Dave’s U-12 team has worked closely with Director of Outreach Kelly Rowland, and Dave has seen the effect it has had on his girls. “Kelly has trained the girls very well, but beyond that she has become a friend to the team. The girls are excited every time they see her. They look up to her because she has been where these girls hope to go, and she’s made them realize that if she can do it, so can they.” Dave’s team presented Kelly with a signed game ball after winning their tournament this past weekend to thank her for the positive impact she’s had and everything she’s done.
GM Terry Foley couldn’t be happier with the reception the Affiliate Program has gotten from clubs all around Philadelphia. “Philly is one of the most passionate sports cities in the country, and I think the great response we’ve gotten from so many clubs speaks to that. The foundation of this team is built on the Affiliate Program and our grassroots efforts, and we can’t wait to put a team on the field that our supporters can be proud of. It will be an honor for the Independence to represent the outstanding Philadelphia area soccer community in the WPS next season.”
It’s not too late for your soccer club to take advantage of everything the Independence Affiliate Program has to offer. To learn more about the program and get your club on board in the founding year, visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com/club-affiliate-program/ and sign up now! Stay tuned for upcoming player news, big announcements, and exciting ticket offers by the Independence!
About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. The Inaugural Season kicked off in March 2009 with seven WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. The league’s eighth and nine franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season, which kicks-off March 2010. For more information and tickets, visit www.womensprosoccer.com.
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