June 28, 2017


CSA Parents and Close Family Members,

I'm writing to ask for your support on an important decision for our Charlotte soccer community.

Contrary to media reports, the bid for a Major League Soccer expansion franchise is not dead. It is very much alive and heading to a critical juncture. The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners is still committed to providing land, funding and financing to build a multi-use, soccer-specific stadium at the site of American Legion Memorial Stadium in uptown Charlotte. Their agreement on funding is dependent on the City of Charlotte also providing tourism funds to finance the project. Without a commitment from city council by August 2, the county commission will look at other uses for the funds they had committed to the stadium. We appreciate the patience of the county commissioners as the city determines their participation.   

Charlotte Soccer Academy is a major partner behind this bid and I'm sure, like me, you want to see Major League soccer coming to Charlotte in the future. To make this a reality, the MLS bid team group needs our help.

We need to create a buzz in the city as to why we want MLS here in Charlotte and we need to ensure our voices are heard. Your local city council member needs to hear from you as the current trend from the council members is that soccer is not that popular and tourism money could be better spent elsewhere. We all know that this is not the case and the sport of soccer is now seen as the most popular sport in the country for children to participate in between the ages of 6 and 16. Combine the enjoyment it brings to young children with the economic impact an MLS franchise will bring to the city, it's a win-win for Charlotte to have a top level professional team playing in our area every week. 

Here is where we need YOUR help. 

Council members have expressed the need to hear from citizens on their desire for an MLS Franchise. A phone call or an email from your family would be great but it simply needs to be brief and authentic. A simple personal feeling as to why you want and think an MLS team in Charlotte would be a great thing for our community. I have already sent a formal letter on behalf of the club so they know where the club stands but they need to hear from the people - from YOU. It is important that the council member lives in your district.  Messages to all council members will help as well as emails to the Mayor. The Mayor does not have a vote but needs to hear from the people.

Here's a link to all the contact information:

http://charlottenc.gov/CityCouncil/bios/Pages/ContactUs.aspx

Here's a link to find out who your elected officials are:

http://apps.meckboe.org/addressSearch_New.aspx

On July 24th, there will be a City Council meeting at which I plan to speak. I will let everyone know if we require additional speakers or supporters at this meeting to voice their desire to have MLS in Charlotte.

Between now and then, MLS plan on visiting Charlotte and seeing our complex and the Memorial Stadium. I will, of course, keep everyone updated on how the bid is progressing and may request some CSA players to assist in the visit from MLS commissioners to create an atmosphere in and around the facility playing some games at the complex. 

Voices now need to be heard from our members. Please do what you can to send an email to your council member and pass on this request to friends and family members who have the same desire to bring Major League Soccer to Charlotte. In addition, a petition has been created that we are asking everyone to sign - please sign yourself and forward to anyone who supports this cause.

Below is a link to sign a petition:
https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/charlotte-mls-soccer-supporters.html

Thanks for all your support 

Brad

Brad Wylde
Executive Director Charlotte Soccer Academy
[email protected]
www.charlottesocceracademy.com
Tel: 704-770-5882