United Soccer League Division III has awarded a founding member franchise to an organization led by businessman Robert Martino for the league’s 2019 debut season.
The club will host a public event in the coming months to unveil its vision for the future of professional soccer in Chattanooga.
“The professional USL Division III provides a great platform for Chattanooga to enter the highest ranks of soccer and further strengthens the Southeast region for the new league as we put the final touches on our inaugural season,” says Steven Short, senior vice president of USL Division III.
“Bob and his team are seasoned executives with a strong vision for the future of soccer in Chattanooga. We share their vision for the city and look forward to working with them as they bring professional soccer to Chattanooga.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity and watershed moment for soccer fans in Chattanooga,” Martino adds. “This market has proven that it has the right ingredients to launch and sustain a professional franchise, and we’re excited to take this next step into USL Division III for fans and the community.
“I applaud the existing grassroots support and passionate fan base already in place in the city and welcome the opportunity for us to work together to realize the great vision for professional soccer in Chattanooga. Our goal is to build upon the remarkable soccer history that has been created here and establish a professional club of which both fans and our community can be proud – one that will make a lasting contribution to what makes this city great.”
The additional clubs, as well as details on the league’s competition structure, will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
The club is expected generate as many as 40 full-time jobs.
Details to come include team name, schedule, playing location and partnerships.
Source: United Soccer League Division III