CULTURE OF ‘WE’: MASL MEETINGS

Phase 2: Part 6

In my opinion, last week was one of the most rewarding weeks since we’ve purchased the team. We effectively hosted the Major Arena Soccer League annual owners meeting. Owners came to St. Louis from all corners of our nation, along with owners from both Mexico and Canada. It was an opportunity for us to discuss the positives and negatives, discuss opportunities for growth and partnership, and to celebrate our involvement in Arena Soccer. We were able to highlight the community that we live in, introduce everyone to Historic St Charles, and even had the opportunity to take in a Cardinals game.

The owners discussed and voted on some items that will directly impact our team. The biggest one to be the length of the 2017-2018 season. We have increased from 20 games to 22 games – which means that the Ambush will be playing 11 home games this upcoming season. The season will still start tentatively in the beginning of November and will conclude by the end of February.

I personally had the opportunity to meet several of the other owners for the first time. The ownership group was very receptive and I greatly appreciate them all being willing to work with me on some ideas that I have for the upcoming season. I hope to be able to implement what I learned and create an even stronger presence for our organization.

I think we could have used another day for networking and sharing ideas, but at the end of Friday we were all just ready to kick back and watch some Arena Soccer! I think that someone forgot to tell players on Friday night that the MASL International Challenge was an exhibition game. While the pace started slowly, I think everyone quickly realized that this wasn’t the “friendly” game that everyone thought it would be. We had AMAZING plays by some of the league’s top players and I’m proud to have been a part of the “behind the scenes” team that put it all together. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the players, owners, staff and volunteers – a huge thank you goes out to all those involved.

So now what? League meetings are over, International Challenge is done. Where do we go from here? It’s time to really focus on setting the team up for success for next season. Finalizing contracts, recruiting talented players, securing sponsors, selling tickets, getting groups out to the game, and getting our “house” in order will be the focus for the next few months.

Is it going to be easy? No. Are we going to take a relaxed approach to the next few “off” months? No. Are we ready to get serious, make some moves and give you something worth supporting? Yes. My answer is yes. My request is that you continue to be patient as we build from within, as we continue to work “behind the scenes” to get things accomplished. I know that with our fans and sponsors support that We will push forward and continue to build the Ambush organization into a formidable opponent.

There is much to do. But together We can do it. Together, We will do it.

Shelly Clark, CEO

Majority Owner, St Louis Ambush