Soccer Leagues of America, Inc. (SLA), an organization
formed to develop and manage professional minor indoor
soccer leagues across North America, will begin operation
with the '98-99 fall/winter indoor season. The OH-based
group has also entered into a major league/minor league
working relationship with the NPSL. OH-based attorney, and
former NPSL franchise owner, Richard Chernesky was named SLA
President. The SLA's plans include the formation of soccer
leagues comprised of a minimum of six to eight teams to
begin play this fall. It will also look to develop players,
referees and front office personnel for major league pro
soccer. SLA will target cities that may not have the arena
or population size to support an NPSL team (SLA).
MORE SOCCER: The NPSL Philadelphia Kixx drew a
franchise-record crowd of 12,239 at CoreStates Spectrum for
their game against the Edmonton Drillers on Saturday
(PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 1/11)....MLS Commissioner Doug Logan
was in Philadelphia and said, "We make no bones about the
fact that we are vitally interested in Philadelphia as a
place to expand to during the next round of expansions.
But, we need a facility where we can play our game and none
presently exist" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 1/10).
