National Sports Center Takes Steps to Moves Forward with Pro Soccer Team

The National Sports Center (NSC) has released a statement today outlining their progress in fielding a pro soccer team for the summer of 2010.

The NSC has released this document to Inside Minnesota Soccer. The NSC hopes soccer fans across Minnesota and the US will understand the seriousness of NSC’s commitment to bring Division II soccer back to the Twin Cities.

12/21/09- Blaine, MN

Authorization
This week the NSCF Board has authorized the acquisition of a Division II Pro soccer team to play in the NSC stadium.

The NSC is moving forward in anticipation of having a Division II soccer team and would be ready to play a 2010 season.  The NSC is waiting for the USSF to make a determination on the details of the national Division II league.  In the meantime, the NSC is making progress on all fronts.

A Pro Team and the NSC Mission
The Mission and purpose of NSCF operating a USSF Division II pro team is to provide high level soccer events featured in the NSC Stadium during the amateur soccer tournaments and events.  In addition, the team operations will support an outreach and teaching program of camps and clinics to promote the sport of soccer to youth.

The NSC has developed an interim logo to be used between now and when the final team name and logo is determined.  This interim “NSC Minnesota” logo is an adaption of the current NSC logo.

Naming Contest
The NSC will soon launch a “name the team contest”.  The NSC will utilize its vast database of soccer contacts in Minnesota and sources like Inside Minnesota Soccer to solicit team name suggestions.

Ownership Structure
The NSC has been consulting with legal contacts to explore non profit/public/private ownership models.  The NSC has the ability to move forward without private investors.  However, the NSC encourages all interested private investor parties to contact Kris Bjerkness.

Relationship to Youth Soccer
A primary purpose of the NSC to acquire a pro team is to support its youth tournaments with high level soccer games.

The NSC will seek to have a relationship with all youth soccer teams and organizations in Minnesota and the region.  The NSC Minnesota team will not have an exclusive relationship with any specific club.

Facilities are in Place
NSC staff is making plans for the NSC Minnesota team with seating arrangements for the stadium.  Also, practice times for the team are being scheduled for both the indoor and outdoor fields.  Finally, office space has been identified in the main NSC office area for the NSC Minnesota team staff.

Staffing Plan
Existing NSC staff will handle much of the pro team duties.  However, the NSC will be seeking the following:

1. Coach/Director of Soccer Operations
2. Assistant Coach
3. Camp Coordinator
4. Ticket Sales Coordinator

Interested parties can send their resumes to Kris Bjerkness.  No phone calls please.

Team Announcement
As soon as the national Division II Pro soccer leagues are resolved by the national soccer leadership the NSC will make a formal announcement regarding the new team.