GREENVILLE, SC – As the 2019 inaugural season approaches, members of Greenville Pro Soccer spent the last couple weeks visiting soccer clubs at the collegiate, USL and MLS levels.
“We were again humbled by the willingness of the soccer community to give their time and knowledge to startups like us,” said Greenville Pro Soccer’s Chief Brand Officer and Vice Chairman Doug Erwin.
The soccer tour began in Atlanta with team President Chris Lewis and Doug Erwin visiting Darren Eales, president of Atlanta United FC.
“It was amazing to have the opportunity to listen and learn from an organization like Atlanta United,” said Lewis. “To be able to sit with Darren and hear about the things the organization did in its infancy to set up the incredible success story it has become while also being able to ask about the things they do now to keep their momentum was priceless.”
“I could not write fast enough as they were sharing their thoughts with us,” Lewis continued. “Not only were we able to gain some great insight from this visit, but we were also able to establish some new relationships, so we really got the best of both worlds!”
Atlanta United joined the MLS in 2017, and the Georgia club has quickly paved its path to success with sellout crowds and a winning record.
“After meeting with Darren Eales, it’s clear to see why they’ve been such a runaway early success,” said Erwin. “Their attention to detail in all facets of building their team and brand have been exceptional, and they’ve kept their fans and supporters engaged at every turn. They’ve also created a first-class game day environment that has led many of their attendees to then in turn sell the experience to their friends.”
Lewis and Erwin’s travels then took them up north to Bethlehem, PA where they met with the Bethlehem Steel of the United Soccer League.
“We had wide-ranging conversations on topics like building a fanbase, relationships with supporter groups, and venue searches, as well as candid moments about potential pitfalls and how to avoid them,” Erwin said about their meeting with the Steel.
“It was incredible to see how welcoming and willing to share Scott [Managing Director of Business Operations] and his staff were,” quoted Lewis. “The ability to have real candid conversations, ask direct questions and hear from a team who is young enough to still be navigating and experimenting with different facets of their business to see what works best was very enlightening and helpful.”
The duo then traveled back to Philadelphia where they were treated to a tour of the Philadelphia Union facilities. After getting to see where the MLS players train, Lewis and Erwin sat down with Earnie Stewart, former professional soccer player and current Sporting Director for the Union, as well as other members of the team’s staff to discuss the business and technical sides of operating a professional soccer organization.
“Our meeting with Earnie Stewart was our first insight from a technical perspective on building out the soccer side of our team,” said Erwin. “ As we get deeper into 2018, we’ll begin looking for a coach and Earnie was able to pass along some great advice on the many different areas you find coaching candidates. Additionally, he was able to draw on his decades of experience as a player and executive to talk about qualities to look for and avoid in a potential coach and gave us a lot to consider as our search begins.”
“Earnie was incredibly gracious and provided a wealth of information and advice. Tim McDermott, Charlie Slonaker and Dave Debusschere were also very generous with their time and provided great perspective on everything from ticket sales to merchandise to venue considerations. Like Atlanta, leaving with several new relationships was the best part. The guys up in Philly will be great advisors and counselors as we continue to go through our process and build our organization,” said Lewis.
The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a stop at Villanova University, Lewis’ alma mater. Lewis and Erwin were able to chat with both the men’s and women’s soccer coaches and learn what it takes to develop a college team.
“For me, this was probably the highlight of the trip,” said Lewis. “I got to visit my Alma Mater and talk soccer with a great guy in Tom Carlin. Tom’s insight was different in many ways because we chatted more specifically about the college landscape rather than the pro side. We gleaned some tremendous information from Tom about players, coaches and the NCAA system. He was incredibly generous with his time and encouraged us to reach out whenever we have questions. We also met Chris McLain, the head coach for Villanova’s Women’s side. Chris was very open to providing advice and insight,” said the Villanova alum.
“Overall, this trip was highly informative and provided us with not only great insights and advice, but also some new relationships that we will be able to lean on as we move forward,” said Lewis.
The team will look to implement some of the ideas and information gleaned from these trips as the 2019 USL DIII inaugural season approaches.
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