MLS is Growing Up Fast
March 30, 2006
For those of you following Major League Soccer news, this years offseason has proven that MLS is definetly here to stay as it is showing consistent signs of growth and stablization. There is certainly something to be said for MLS when you have seen over the past two years significant investment interest in the league coming from overseas and across our southern borders.
To mention a few, Chivas USA with its Mexican infulence, Red Bull buying the Metrostars with its Austrian interest and now England’s Chelsea — the EPL’s rock of a club — inking a major deal with AEG that invloves MLS Champions, the LA Galaxy. A few years back I was quoted in the Sports Business Journal defending the MLS that, "I wonder what sport corporate sponsors would support when they begin to see the grassroots soccer community rallying and supporting MLS and buying tickets to watch their teams". It now appears that the rest of the world recognizes the opportunity for soccer in America with MLS. See the story below.
CHELSEA TEAM UP WITH AEG IN US PUSH
2006-Mar-30 05:45
English Premier League champions Chelsea have become the latest club to make a play for the US marketplace after agreeing a big deal with a number of Major League Soccer sides.
The London club’s chief executive Peter Kenyon said it had penned a strategic alliance with AEG – operators of four teams and developers of a number of existing and in-progress stadiums.
The partnership will begin in the summer of 2007 with the staging of a tournament, which will take place every two years, involving Chelsea and a host MLS club.
The alliance with AEG will also include a club-to-club relationship between Chelsea and MLS champions LA Galaxy, an agreement to enhance and market the Chelsea brand in the US and promotion of grass roots football activity.
Kenyon explained: “This is a unique, ground-breaking relationship that not only demonstrates our commitment to the development of US soccer, but will also help Chelsea work towards its aim of becoming the most popular European club in the US, one of our key target markets.”
Chelsea’s business affairs director, Paul Smith, added: “Chelsea’s involvement in US football will be from top to bottom. We will not just fly in and fly out for the tournaments.
“By building the profile and interest in Chelsea in this way we are confident we can expand our business and build a platform for increasing our fan base, merchandising and sponsorship opportunities.”
Newsdesk
newsdesk@sportbusiness.com
Source: ©sportbusiness.com
Zogger Update
March 25, 2006
Hello Zoggers out there! If you’re following Ziga Zoga you may have seen some recent updates to the site with the various News categories on the right column. Here you will find the most recent news updates as released by FIFA, US Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Major League Soccer, and Fox Soccer.
We’ve been busy working on a few things off-line that will be announced soon such as, we’re looking for journalists and soccer bloggers across the country who have a sincere and passionate interest to report on what is happening in their community or region. We’re also looking for some great stories to cover that you may know of. For instance, you may know of a rising star player who deserves to receive some coverage; there may be an outstanding coach that is great with the kids that you believe should be recognized; or there may be a dedicated soccer Mom or Dad out there that you believe deserves some praise. Well, we would love to hear about them so feel free to email your ideas to me, Jason . Moreover, if you have anything at all to share - please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Speaking of what you think, have you heard about joga.com ? If not, visit the site and tell us what you think. Myself, I am interested to see the interactivity and how Joga can help American players - it should be interesting.
Lastly, as mentioned previously, we’re working on our logo and hope to share it
with you soon for your input. We are really looking forward to this
and cannot wait to hear what your thoughts are.
Stay tuned….
Ciao,
Jason
Torneo Mexicana
March 16, 2006
Today Mexican soccer’s living legend Enrique Borja announced the creation of an International Soccer Tournament — Torneo Mexicana — sponsored by Mexicana Airlines. The Under 19 boys and girls tournament will take place in 14 US cities to include: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Miami, Dallas, San Antonio, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Baltimore, Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Jose and Denver.
Teams will compete at a local level for a chance to win an all expense paid trip to Mexico City for the championship. Borja said, "I am honored to be working in conjunction with Mexicana de Aviacion. This tournament solidifies Mexicana’s commitment to the communities it flies to, bringing youngsters a valuable alternative of healthy recreation".
Having the opportunity to sit down with such a renown soccer star, I was intrigued on several levels. When asked about the impact an event like this can have on kids Borja stated, "this is an enormous opportunity for kids to showcase their talent to professional scouts on a World stage - its and opportunity for kids to catch their dream". When asked about the importance of the growth of soccer in the U.S., "this event is a chance to bring our countries together as family. Soccer is a game of values, passion and most of all its about teamwork and community. Our countries are neighbors and we want this event to offer families the opportunity to come together for the love of sport and togetherness. This event is not just a one time thing - we want this to grow and build up the soccer community, its just as important for Mexico for the U.S. game to grow as it is the U.S. This builds more talent to draw on for both of our professional leagues".
Samuel Cantu, Regional Sales Manager for Mexicana, supported Borja, "for Mexicana this event presents an opportunity for us to support our community and bring people together. We are excited to be part of such a great event that is providing a great opportunity for our youth. The next Pele or Borja is out there and we want to do everything we can to support the growth of the game".
I could not resist asking Mr. Borja about Mexico’s chances in the upcoming World Cup, "so much attention is given to the draw and the groups. When a country competes at this level everyone is good - anyone can win on any given day. For Mexico, it is most important to win the 1st game and take the mindset of a team, not individuals. If we play as a country with spirit I believe Mexico can be in the top 4 competing for the Cup".
So kids, parents, and coaches if you want the opportunity to, "catch the dream" as Enrique Borja lived - its all here for your taking. For more information on the tournament of a lifetime visit Torneo Mexicana .
Mexicana Announces New Event
March 15, 2006
Meet former Mexican National Team player Enrique Borja when Mexicana announces a new national soccer tournament for Under 19 boys and girls. Winners from eight major cities will advance to a championship to be played in Mexico City.
Press Conference is tomorrow at Johnny’s Seafood Restaurant 1816 N. New Braunfels in San Antonio.
For additional information contact:
Marco A. Barros, Tournament Coordinator (210) 771-7134
Email: Marcotourism@stic.net
