For the second straight year, Mr. and Mrs. Claus made the long journey south from their home in the North Pole to Tampa, Florida where they spent some quality time with USL HQ staff and relatives.

“Despite the cold weather, soccer is without a doubt the sport of choice in the North Pole,” said Santa during his nearly two-hour long visit. “We’re huge fans and big big believers in what the USL is doing to grow the game in the United States. So, on a whim, we decided to load up the reindeer and come express that appreciation in person.”

While visiting, the Claus family mingled with staff and relatives, enjoyed a cross-bar challenge (won by Mrs. Claus), and delivered gifts to unsuspecting USL employees.

“This was my first-time meeting Santa, so you can imagine my surprise when he handed me a brand-new Indy Eleven jersey,” said USL Sr. Manager of Communications Scott Stewart. “He said something about me being nice this year and to keep up the good work. It was all a bit surreal.”

Stewart wasn’t the only USL staffer to get some quality time with the special guests as USL Vice President of People, Rachel Bukszar, was able to glean a few best practices from Mrs. Claus who oversees the all North Pole staffing operations.

“She’s someone I definitely look up to,” said Bukszar. “They’ve built a wonderful culture up there, are extremely efficient and have almost no turnover amongst the elves. It was good to hear first-hand how they’re getting it done. I’m excited to apply some of those lessons learned to what we’re doing here.”

Before departing back to the North Pole for a busy couple of days, the Claus’ posed for a group photo, received a detailed update on league progress from USL Chief Executive Officer, Alec Papadakis, and even recorded a special episode of “Steel Some Time” with USL Digital Host Kelsi Steele.

“They’re the best guests we’ve ever had on the show,” said Steele. “Very kind and caring people. Hopefully we can make this an annual thing.”