Partnerships

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced a multi-year partnership with Connectivity Wireless, which becomes the Official Wireless Network Infrastructure Supplier of the USL. The partnership will focus on providing innovative and seamless wireless network solutions for USL stadiums and facilities.

Connectivity Wireless is a leading wireless solution provider specializing in purpose-built, world-class Wi-Fi, cellular, private LTE/CBRS networks, and smart system analytics to enable exceptional connected guest experiences and network monetization for sporting venues.

Leveraging highly specialized teams of engineers, dedicated project deployment professionals, and lifetimes of experience in deploying and managing 2700+ wireless networks, the Connectivity team handles all aspects of deployment, allowing customers to focus on their core business. Each turnkey solution includes consultation, planning, design, installation, and ongoing management. Extensive support and financing options are also available to best fit the needs of each customer.

“We are thrilled to bring on Connectivity Wireless as our Official Wireless Network Infrastructure Supplier,” said Josh Keller, USL Sr. Vice President of Corporate Development & Partnerships. “Maximizing fan experience is one of our top goals as a league, and having effective, reliable wireless networks installed in our venues will help us achieve that.”

“We are excited for the opportunity help USL venues and teams achieve their connectivity goals with our custom wireless infrastructures,” said Mike Fox, Vice President of Wi-Fi at Connectivity Wireless.  “The goal is to equip venue managers, owners and teams to optimize operations, expand revenues, and deliver next-generation fan engagement by harnessing the power of a digitally driven environment.”

For more information on USL partnerships, contact Josh Keller at Josh.Keller@uslsoccer.com.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced it has renewed its partnership with Wilson Trophy as the Official Awards and Trophy Supplier of the USL. Since 2018, Wilson Trophy has helped USL teams at all levels commemorate and celebrate major accomplishments.

With a history dating back more than 50 years, Wilson Trophy Company is one of the market leaders in high-quality trophies, awards, medals and plaques for organizations across the United States. Based in Sacramento, California, Wilson Trophy is an official licensee of Little League International, U.S. Youth Soccer, and more than 20 youth sports organizations and over 120 youth soccer tournaments across the country.

“We are thrilled to continue this long-running partnership,” said Josh Keller, USL Sr. Vice President of Corporate Development & Partnerships. “Wilson Trophy provides a wide range of high quality, customizable trophies and awards at an affordable price point for clubs across all levels of the USL ecosystem.”

“We couldn’t be happier to continue our partnership with the USL and honoring excellence on the field for years to come,” said Zachary Moro, Sales Team Manager for Wilson Trophy Company. “It has been a pleasure to be able to help the various USL divisions crown success to each long season. The USL is a strong pillar in the game of soccer and we are glad to be able to put our brand behind this well run organization.”

For more information on USL partnerships, contact Josh Keller at Josh.Keller@uslsoccer.com.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced a multi-year partnership with RideAlongNow, LLC, which becomes the Official Youth Transportation Services Supplier of the USL. The partnership will cater to the USL’s youth properties, including the recently launched USL Academy League, by focusing on providing safe, dependable, and affordable transportation alternatives for young riders.

Created by parents to place an emphasis on safety and community building while giving their children a better riding experience, RideAlong provides door-to-door pick-up and drop-off services. In addition to focusing on transportation for children and teens, RideAlong is designed to be a long-term trusted solution that organizations and families can depend on for the entire sports season, school year, and summer. Rides are never crowded, and pickups are scheduled by location and age group. Drivers undergo a comprehensive background check, random drug testing, and extensive field testing and training. Utilizing RideAlong technology, parents, teachers, and coaches can know their kids’ whereabouts and exchange important information in real time.

“We are thrilled to bring on RideAlong as our Official Youth Transportation Services Supplier,” said Josh Keller, USL Sr. Vice President of Corporate Development & Partnerships. “By providing a fully-vetted and dedicated team of drivers for safe and reliable travel, RideAlong allows our youth athletes to place their focus entirely on their training and performance, while giving parents and coaches peace of mind.”

“Our partnership with USL soccer was a natural fit.” said Christine Kennedy, RideAlongNow COO and Co-Founder.  “Helping youth across the country in reaching their goals and dreams is an ethos we both share. We are excited on what we can accomplish together.”

For more information on USL partnerships, contact Josh Keller at Josh.Keller@uslsoccer.com.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced a new partnership with Women In Soccer (WIS), a growing community of women and allies united by the inclusive power of soccer. The partnership will work to increase opportunity for women in the game and collaborate on ways to improve the status of women in the American soccer system. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Women In Soccer as the USL looks for more ways to support women aiming to play, watch and work in soccer,” said Betsy Haugh, Director of Operations — Women’s Soccer. “The USL family of clubs has shown a strong desire to enhance the status of the women’s game and we look forward to working with an organization like Women In Soccer who will help us to achieve our goals”

By partnering with Women In Soccer, the USL continues its commitment to close the gaps in the game for women, aiming to increase access and exposure to the USL ecosystem through the professional development resources within the WIS community. Women In Soccer will work with the USL and its clubs to implement inclusive educational practices that will support women from all backgrounds, provide more opportunities to exercise allyship and create accountability standards on equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

“The USL’s partnership with Women In Soccer demonstrates the league’s understanding that in order to grow the game in the United States, systemic racism, gender bias and homophobia must be addressed,” said Courtney Carroll Levinsohn, Founder of Women In Soccer. “Together, we will shape soccer in America by collaborating on anti-discrimination initiatives, safe reporting policies and professional development efforts that ensure everyone can thrive in the game. The USL and WIS partnership celebrates the power of a community committed to creating an inclusive soccer culture.”

The USL and WIS will also work to identify business and social events where the two organizations can work together to promote gender-equity education and networking opportunities across the United States. The collaborative nature of the partnership was embodied in Women In Soccer’s most recent career fair, which saw USL Senior Vice President Lizzie Seedhouse and Vice President Rachel Bukszar serve as guest speakers in educational seminars on the potential career paths available in the current professional soccer landscape. 

To learn more about Women In Soccer and the work the organization is doing to improve the culture of soccer for women, visit www.womeninsoccer.org. 

For more information on USL partnerships, contact Will McClaran at will.mcclaran@uslsoccer.com. 

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced a multi-year partnership with Bellevue University, which becomes the first Official Education Partner of the USL in the organization’s history.

As part of the partnership, Bellevue University will grant a full scholarship to each USL Championship and League One team annually to be awarded to a player to pursue their undergraduate or graduate degrees. Additionally, during year one, the USL, the USL Black Player’s Alliance and Bellevue University will work collaboratively to award a scholarship to a non-profit that benefits minority youth.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Bellevue University and provide these life-changing opportunities across the USL,” said USL Sr. Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Development, Josh Keller. “So many of our players put their academic careers on hold to chase their dreams on the pitch, and at some point, they will need to start on a new path. Bellevue University’s flexible environment will allow our players to get a jump start at preparing for life after soccer in an incredibly meaningful and impactful way.”

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is one of the country’s top 20 online universities and has nearly 60,000 graduates worldwide. In addition to providing full scholarships annually to Championship and League One clubs, Bellevue University will offer tuition assistance across the entire USL ecosystem to club and league employees, as well as family members of staff, coaches, and players.

“Bellevue University is honored to partner with the USL to bring professional soccer and innovative educational opportunities to the League clubs and to USL communities across the country,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “As the USL’s Official Education Partner, Bellevue University will help players who are balancing careers and real life demands to achieve their goals of earning a college degree by providing access to the education and support they need to be successful.”

The United Soccer League will also be working with Bellevue University on coursework and curriculum integrations, providing USL guest speakers in the classroom, and exploring mentoring, and league-based internship opportunities. Additionally, the two parties plan to collaborate on a number of community-focused initiatives aimed at uplifting underserved individuals and groups.

“We look forward to collaborating with Bellevue University to help enhance the student experience and curriculum and doing our part to help mold the next generation of executives in the sports industry and beyond,” added Keller.

The league-wide deal expands upon Bellevue University’s existing local partnership with League One club Union Omaha that focuses on providing player and front office educational opportunities and community engagement initiatives.

For more information on USL partnerships, contact Josh Keller at Josh.Keller@uslsoccer.com.

For additional information on Bellevue University and course offerings, please visit www.bellevue.edu.