TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer Leagues, LLC, has announced today that Harvard Group International (HGI) has signed an agreement through the summer of 2020 to be the Official Executive Recruiting Partner for the USL and the organization's new Division III league, set to launch in 2019. Additionally, HGI will be a Preferred Office Staffing Partner, providing a source of continuity and performance for all front office and operations talent needs for the league and teams.

HGI is the leading performer in retained executive and professional recruiting, having built executive search experience throughout the United States and internationally since the firm’s establishment in 1997.

“We are excited to work with Harvard Group International, which will assist our current and new teams in identifying, evaluating and presenting high-quality professionals who can contribute to their future success and sustainability,” USL President Jake Edwards said. “HGI’s focus has been providing in-depth retained professional search, so its services will make finding the right people to build their clubs and brands on a local and national level easier for our teams.”

With thousands of successfully completed assignments, HGI specializes in succession planning, high-impact leadership placement and key functional line/staff assignments in most industries and functions. With more than fifty professionals, HGI is large enough to deliver exceptional results across many projects while also delivering a very high-touch, boutique approach to their partnerships with clients.

“We are thrilled to officially join the USL family and offer such an integral service to the teams and the league office,” said Chuck Cain, who leads HGI’s Global Sports, Leisure & Entertainment practice. “Our firm is driven by providing invaluable solutions and attracting top talent for our clients. This commitment is mirrored by the USL in their vision for growth and dedication to success for their teams. The leadership and execution by the front office is as critical in sports as the performance on the pitch, and HGI is dedicated to partnering with all of our clients at the highest level to ensure their success.”

An estimated 30–40 new franchises are expected to be announced at the second and third divisions of professional soccer over the next five years, which will create opportunities for potential suppliers and vendors to support this growth.

Through its Preferred Supplier Program, the USL connects suppliers with new franchise owners and existing USL clubs in order to deliver the best possible experience for fans across North America. Preferred suppliers are “Best in Class” companies that provide services and products to professional franchises and stadium developers and must meet the USL’s strict quality standards. The USL is currently in discussions with suppliers that support stadium development, as well as the buildout of team front offices and operations.

For more information on the USL Preferred Supplier Program, contact Josh Keller at Josh.Keller@uslsoccer.com.