HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Harrisburg City Islanders, a professional soccer team playing in Division II United Soccer League (USL), the highest division of soccer in the United States below Major League Soccer (MLS), announced on Friday that George Altirs has been named majority owner of the Central Pennsylvania team, effective immediately. Altirs served as majority club owner of the Wilmington Hammerheads FC, a USL professional soccer team in North Carolina, from 2013 until 2016.

Altirs and his team will oversee the technical side of the club, including player and staff selections, transfers, and outside, non-local partnerships for the Harrisburg City Islanders. In addition, through his experience running youth and professional clubs, Altirs will support the front office and day-to-day decisions of the professional soccer organization.

"It's an exciting opportunity to bring our experienced staff and proven standards to the Harrisburg City Islanders and its fan base," Altirs said. "With our philosophy, resources and work ethic, I am confident that we will assist in bringing a new era of professional soccer to Harrisburg as we embrace our Division II club status."

Altirs has made a generous contribution to the soccer community in the United States since his arrival in 1980. Born in Lebanon, the determined entrepreneur moved to New York with the intention of owning his own business. His vision led to the creation of GMA Accessories Inc., a manufacturer and importer of children and women's footwear, apparel, and fashion accessories.

Capelli Sport was founded in 2011 by Altirs with the mission to provide quality, functionality and design for high-level performance on the field. More than 25 years in the apparel, fashion and accessory business led to the creation of Capelli Sport and many global recreational, club, semi-professional and professional partnerships through the brand's innovative, world-class training gear, equipment and uniforms.