NASL Posts Open Letter to Fans Concerning Their Mission

The North American Soccer League released a letter via their website today with quotes from interim commissioner and owner of AC St. Louis Jeff Cooper, and team owners Selby Wellman and Rob Clark. A quote is also provided from evidently newly named but not yet announced, Fernando Clavijo, Director of Player Development of the NASL.

The letter states that in 2006 the original meetings took place to lay out a plan to meet the growing expectations of the North American soccer supporter. The letter goes on to explain that since that first meeting, the intent of the group was to achieve autonomy and to become a new independent soccer league.

“With soccer in North America at record levels in terms of participation, interest and growth, the vision of the NASL is to raise the overall level of quality to meet the demands of the supporters. The USSF is rigorously pursuing hosting a World Cup in the next eight to 12 years and the owners of the NASL intend on being a major contributor to winning that bid” -Jeff Cooper, owner AC St. Louis.

The letter also states: The goals being formulated will focus on proper branding, marketing and the commercial viability of the NASL. We will also place emphasis on exciting new player development plans for current players while allowing even more players opportunities for 2010 and beyond.

The letter quotes Fernando Clavijo, who is listed as director of player development of NASL. No actual announcement of Clavijo’s appointment accompany the letter. Clavijo has been the Director of Soccer at Traffic Sports USA since February of 2009.

“With insight from general managers, coaches and players in the NASL, the owners will submit recommendations to the USSF on competition and player development,” states Clavijo. “The purpose is to provide quality opportunities for current players and allow even more players opportunities to develop and thrive, all in the name of advancing the sport in North America.”

The fans need to have a voice, we will listen; our fans are the number one asset to the success of the NASL, period.
-Rob Clark, owner Rochester Rhinos.

The letter goes on to say, beginning in 2010 fans can expect higher visibility from the NASL in several aspects. Fans can expect consistent real-time, insightful information from our communications department. In launching this first revolution of our web site, fans can instantly sign up for the NASL newsletter and receive up-to-date information regarding their favorite team and players. Also expect busy social networking traffic promoting fans the opportunity to have healthy discussions and debates on how the league is performing and suggestions on how to improve.

IMS believes the league will be making more announcements this week concerning appointments of positions in the league front office which will eventually be headquartered in St. Louis, MO.