April 29, 2008
Fredericksburg, VA-The FC Fredericksburg Gunners and the Fredericksburg Area Soccer Association (FASA) are pleased to announce the formal release of a pending merger between the two organizations. The merger’s focus is to establish a new professionally run soccer organization in the Fredericksburg area committed to taking soccer in the region to an entirely new level. The merger will seek to combine the most important factions of both organizations. FASA currently has over 43 travel teams that compete in numerous leagues, a 400+ player ASDL Classic League program, strong community relationships, hardworking volunteers, and a long history rooted in player development. The FC Fredericksburg Gunners are currently second year members of the United Soccer Leagues (USL). The Gunners participate in the Premier Development League (PDL) and W-League (W-League), the USL Super 20 Program, and the Super Y League (one of North America’s top youth leagues). The Gunners bring a wealth of club management experience and a vast resource of professional coaches and players. “What a great step in the right direction,” said Pete Cinalli, Coaching Director of FASA, “Our growth over the past 4 years has been phenomenal. Everyone should be getting very excited about the additional opportunities we hope to create. We will now have a system in place for all players to play, train, and aspire to.”
“This is a very exciting development for soccer in Fredericksburg,” said Brian Shumate, General Manager of the Gunners, “The original goal of the Gunners was to bring a high level of soccer, coaching, and player development, both at the top levels and at the youth levels, to the area. FASA has proven to us that they share the same long term vision and grasp the bigger picture for what types of possibilities are really here for soccer. My vision for this club is now greatly expanded with those possibilities. “
The two organizations could combine to become immediately one of the largest clubs in the state, but that does not mean the work is over. “There will be a steep road ahead for us. If we want to reach our goals in player and club development, then there is much to do. It is important to realize though, that this is the critical first step. By working together we can accomplish far more than we could have hoped for in such a short period of time,” said Shumate. Pete Cinalli added, “There will be much to work through and discuss. However, our direction is united. We both want to create something that will allow all players that next opportunity. Whether it is a recreational player transitioning to travel; that travel player taking the next step with Super Y; to that player signing with a University and returning home to play with our PDL or W-League teams; these players will have that earned privilege. This is surely the next step for soccer in our area.”
The Gunners and FASA are currently meeting to discuss the best way to bring the two organizations together. A new set of bylaws and governance are being reviewed and edited, a budget for the new club is being discussed, and the two organizations are working through other necessary items that need to be addressed. Those other items include hiring a front office and technical staff and to secure a suitable office space. All the while genuinely conscience of trying to keep players fees as consistent with what club members are used to paying, and uniting the membership through information and leadership.
“Timing is everything and now is a great time. Both organizations understand the importance of trying to reach some agreement before tryouts so the membership can be informed. The sooner we come together and begin working towards a common goal, the sooner the players benefit. That is the reason everyone is really here,” said Brian Shumate.
The two organizations are scheduled to meet in the next five days and items of additional discussion will include a time frame for these proceedings. “It’s important to try to get it done before tryouts. While we are very delicate with all the details of two businesses coming together, we must try to have as much information prepared for the membership as possible. We want them to know that the club is moving forward with the intention of making the investment in their child worth much more,” said Pete Cinalli.
“There is no question we will handle this in a professional manner, but we are also very aware of this tight time frame. We look to find a balance as this merger is in the best interest of both clubs,” concluded Brian Shumate, “We are certainly ready to take the next step and I am confident in FASA. Since we arrived they have shown their commitment to improving soccer in the region. This is one more example of that commitment. It gives me goose bumps to think about the world of opportunities for what we can accomplish here.”
“Everyone can expect updates to this as we have information available. I look forward to being able to deliver to the area what we at FASA have worked so hard for. We have fought back from so much and now to be moving in this direction, I am beyond words,” summed up Pete Cinalli, “I am simply excited!”
Stay posted to www.fcfred.com and www.hotspurs.org for further updates, additional information, and information on membership meetings.
