TAMPA, Fla. – The 2017 USL Winter Summit opened on Wednesday as the league’s executives welcomed member clubs and league partners for three days of meetings in downtown Tampa.

The event opened with the assembly of the USL Board of Governors, bringing together club leadership to hear from USL Chief Executive Officer Alec Papadakis, President Jake Edwards and guest speakers.

“Following a remarkable year for the USL, we are extremely pleased to welcome our clubs to our home city for this year’s Winter Summit,” said Edwards. “This week’s meetings will allow us to build on the growth the league has seen this season on and off the field, and continue final preparations for the 2018 season. We look forward to continuing to work with our club leadership toward our goal of becoming one of the leading second divisions in the world.”