Carmelo Anthony, of the New York Knicks, has completed the road to ownership. The interest he showed in bringing professional soccer of a higher level to Puerto Rico is admirable. The Puerto Rico FC have been revived and will join the NASL in the Fall season in 2016. The official announcement took place in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
This project is the latest attempt to improve Puerto Rico for the past years, first via his Foundation by restoring basketball courts in limited means communities on the island nation. Establishing pro soccer is the next big step in the process.
“It is an honor for me to bring back soccer to my beloved island, birthplace of my father.”
Carmelo said,
“Its a special place that I carry with pride in my heart and soul.”
The team will enter as the 13th and they will play their home games in the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, which has seen recent renovations. The 12,500 seat stadium will also be home for the Puerto Rican national team. Carmelo, by bringing this about, will blood a new generation of professionals that may bring some much desired talent to the national team.
“I can promise a world-class organization in a world-class league.”
For the first time Puerto Rico will be able to attract and develop better players on the island and in the United States. Puerto Rico suffers mostly from organization and infrequent game experience.
NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson sees this as not only a shot in the arm for Puerto Rico but beyond.
“The addition of Puerto Rico FC is another exciting step for the league.”
Peterson explained,
“The club will play a key role in the growth of the game not only on the island, but also across the Caribbean and North American regions.”
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