Philadelphia and its neighboring communities have a rich history in sports. The fans, players, and teams that represent this great city share a common bond of tradition, toughness, and passion for sports excellence and competition. Understanding this distinction, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) was proud to announce on March 17, 2009 that Philadelphia was awarded the eighth franchise for women’s pro soccer, joining seven other WPS cities – Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.  We are extremely excited to start play in spring 2010, and experience the EXTRAORDINARY!

This signals the return of women’s pro soccer to the Philadelphia area, which has one of the fastest growing soccer followings in the nation, and boasts nearly half a million registered youth and adult soccer participants in the Delaware Valley Region. This area’s youth soccer players, teams, clubs, and leagues are among the country’s most elite and prestigious, having delivered thousands of scholar athletes to premier college programs, many of them All-Americans, and hundreds to the Women’s National Team and international soccer organizations.  Congratulations Philadelphia.  You deserve this honor!

“Philadelphia is one of the greatest, most passionate sports cities in the Country.  It is terrific that we have an opportunity to share in the wave of excitement for women’s pro soccer that is now sweeping the Nation and world.  On a more local level, girls will finally have a tangible dream to play pro soccer!  Having this team in Philadelphia empowers our youth to strive to be the best they can be, and take full advantage of the very real possibility to play professional soccer.” 

Kelly Rowland, former All-American Soccer Player at Florida State University; former FC Delco Player

The front office of the Philadelphia Independence is led by David Halstead, who is majority owner. David also serves as the team’s President and CEO, and is committed to building the Philadelphia franchise into a model sports organization – one that is the envy of the League, and is a permanent fixture in Philadelphia.  Says David, “I feel strongly that female athletes have earned the right to dream about and compete in a professional sports organization that strives for  world-class play and teaches hardworking values. These ideas, together with our many FAN FIRST and outreach programs, distinctive coaches, and pool of outstanding soccer players around the country and internationally, will result in a team loaded with talent that the city is proud to support.”

Commitment and Road Ahead

Everyone in the Independence organization is committed to bring Philadelphia:

• A women’s professional soccer team that fans are proud to support
• A team that our community of parents are proud to take their children to see, in a safe and wholesome environment
• A team that our community of knowledgeable soccer players, former players, coaches, and passionate fans are excited to watch as the team performs its skill on the pitch
• A team that our soccer youth looks to for its modern day heroes and role models
• A team that brings solutions and philanthropy to its community of citizens in need of help
• A team that our partners are honored to be affiliated with including our distinguished corporate sponsors and MLS partners.

With great anticipation for the start of the 2010 season, this team’s ownership will work hard to live up to these expectations and look forward to the partnership and involvement of the Philadelphia fans and communities.

For more information about the Philadelphia Independence, and its exciting youth development program, ticketing program, and player draft processes visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com.