Atlanta Soccer News: Art, Music and Culture: Northern Virginia announces have been awarded a franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

NASL Announces Virginia Team to Begin Play in 2014

Posted on Mon, Nov 5, 2012

ASHBURN, VA – November 5, 2012 – Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional sports and entertainment options to Northern Virginia, VIP Sports & Entertainment announces that it is partnering with Loudoun Professional Soccer, LLC (LPS), who have been awarded a franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL).  The franchise will debut in 2014 playing its home games at the future Ballpark located at One Loudoun in Ashburn, VA.
“The NASL has a long and glorious tradition as a quality professional league and we are proud to join them in 2014,” said Bob Farren, Chairman & Founder of VIP Sports & Entertainment. “We believe the addition of professional soccer significantly enhances the entertainment options we can offer our fans and we are extraordinarily happy to welcome the NASL to Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. region.”
Accompanying this announcement is the launch of a Name The Team contest to have our fans determine the name of the franchise.  Fans are encouraged to submit names for their new soccer team at NASLvirginia.com, presented by Edelman Financial Services, Buffalo Wing Factory & Pub, Mountcastle Plastic Surgery and Sonak Family Chiropractic.
“The NASL is delighted to add Virginia to the league as our 11^th team, beginning play in 2014,” said Commissioner David Downs.  “Over the past year we have gotten to know the owners and management group here quite well, and share their strong belief that this team will be successful in every sense of the word in this rapidly growing and vibrant community in Northern Virginia.”
LPS President Joe Travez added his thoughts on the world’s game: “We will work with NASL and its partner Traffic Sports, headquartered in Brazil, to bring the global game home to Loudoun County through various international matches. It is an exciting opportunity to expand Virginia’s role in the world sports market.”
Farren noted, “The opportunity to expand the lineup of professional sports in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia with the quality of an NASL franchise is a tremendous compliment to our plans at the Ballpark. We all look forward to tapping into the power of the youth soccer network of the DC Region and finding fans all across the region to be a part of the future success of this team.”
Among the goals of VIP’s soccer franchise will be the development of an academy system, formed by teaming up with several established youth soccer clubs including Loudoun Soccer, the largest club of its kind in Virginia.  Former DC United Goalkeeper and Coach Mark Simpson will be the club’s Director of Soccer Operations.