TAMPA, Florida (11/23/2009) - RGV Bravos FC Front Office executives wrapped up their participation Sunday at the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Annual General Meeting held in Tampa.
During the four-day AGM, the Bravos FC delegates attended several meetings and seminars that were held at Downtown Tampa’s Hyatt Regency Hotel, where they shared several opinions and ideas with other executives and coaches of the more than 100 USL clubs that participated in the event.
Among the most important meetings that Bravos FC executives attended were the State of the League Address, Premier Development League (PDL) and Mid-South Divisional meetings, and USL Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
At Friday’s PDL Meeting, Director Lee Cohen coordinated the reunion that included the presentation of the United States Soccer Federation’s Manager of Referee Assignment, Dick Triche of Texas.
That same evening, Bravos FC Front Office staff took part in the USL Hall of Fame induction ceremony that enshrined Tecnical Director Leigh Cowlishaw, former striker Paul Conway and former defender Scott Schweitzer in the Class of 2009.
Following the ceremony, Bravos FC executives opened talks with Esteban Paz, President of Ecuador First Division side Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito (LDU) and English Premier League West Ham United. LDU won the 2008 Copa Libertadores South American tournament, which is equivalent to the European Champions League.
The Blue-and-Gold look to form strategic alliances with several prestigious clubs from around the world in order to internationalize Bravos FC and provide more opportunities for the Valley’s talented youth.
Saturday’s State of the League Address was given by USL President Tim Holt, who spoke of the achievements made in 2009 and the new projects that are being planned for 2010. Holt introduced USL CEO Alec Papadakis, who is part of the investment group NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC that purchased the USL from Nike and UMBRO in August.
Later that night, Cohen and Holt headed up the Mid South Divisional Meeting where several division-related issues were discussed such as referees and the direction of each club, along with the group’s future plans.
On Sunday, the 100-plus clubs wrapped up the 2009 AGM after meeting to discuss and plan the 2010 schedule. Next season’s schedule will be released in January.
Meanwhile, Bravos FC Technical Director Ismael "Moreira" Braga continued his trip to Brazil where he is meeting with several First Division clubs, executives and coaches.
