TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer Leagues, LLC, announced today it had entered a multi-year partnership with Turf Tank as its Official GPS Paint Robot and Field Marking Service Supplier for all related properties, including the United Soccer League, USL’s Division III, the Premier Development League (PDL) and the Super Y League. The deal also includes a partnership that establishes U.S. Specialty Coatings to become the organization’s Official Field Paint Supplier.

Turf Tank is the exclusive North American distributor of the innovative “Intelligent One” (ION), the world’s first and most comprehensive autonomous GPS paint robot. The landmark hardware and easy-to-use software platform is designed to perform consistent and accurate line-marking for numerous sports, including soccer. Turf Tank’s joint venture partner, Intelligent Marking, holds patented design and technology features that eliminates the need for a manual operator while increasing precision and sustainability on natural grass or artificial turf fields. Turf Tank’s sales and affiliate network will be offering special preferred pricing to the USL and its clubs as it relates to acquisition of a GPS paint robot, field marking paint, other related sports field products, and contracted line marking services.

“Game presentation is one of the most important features of a gameday experience for a fan, and the addition of Turf Tank to the USL’s Preferred Supplier Program offers the league and its teams access to cutting-edge technology that will ensure its field markings are looking sharp for every game of the season,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “We are looking forward to the extent of capabilities and solutions that come from this partnership and are thrilled to bring on a company that can positively impact the way our clubs are perceived by fans both at venues or watching the league’s broadcasts.”

“We are ecstatic about our newly formed partnership with the USL as they mirror our commitment to provide a world-class suite of products and services for their community network,” said Turf Tank President Jason Aldridge. “Our goal as a company is to help every sport related organization discover innovative ways to save time, reduce cost, maximize labor productivity and increase overall quality as it relates to sports field line marking. We have been diligent to establish ourselves as a brand and solution which organizations can trust, including non-profit clubs, high schools, colleges, municipalities and professional venues for Major League Soccer, the National Football League and Major League Lacrosse. The United Soccer League is now a perfect part of that strategy which we are very thankful.”

The USL will oversee the expansion of an estimated 30–40 new franchises 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.