Rochester, NY, Group Will Announce Club Name Friday

CHICAGO (December 17, 2020) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) has enthusiastically approved the Rochester Pro Soccer Club LLC application establishing a brand-new club in the Flower City. As noted in November when Rochester submitted its application, this will be NISA’s fourth new club in the last seven months.

“While this past year has been a significant challenge for everyone in sports, Rochester NISA is another example of NISA’s steady footing heading into 2021,” says NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “Five Member clubs/markets joined this year, with additional applicants to be announced in early 2021. We are actively bringing quality professional soccer to every city in the United States.”

The Rochester NISA club will hold a zoom chat tomorrow night at 6 p.m. ET to share the club name – decided by the Rochester community – with fans first. Fans can register at passion@nisarochesterny.com or visit nisarochesterny.com to register online.

Jenna Cottrell of 13WHAM ABC and FOX Rochester – will moderate an informal “soccer” chat with the new NISA soccer club principals. The club will continue to foster engagement and gain immediate feedback in the coming months as it develops club colors, crest and other brand elements.

“We are committed to being inclusive and supportive of our community from the start,” said David Weaver, ownership group leader. “The fans will play a big role in adding to the history of soccer in Rochester, and that starts this week.”

Weaver, CEO and founder of Rochester-based Aphex BioCleanse Systems Inc., is a 30-year New York State Emeritus soccer referee and former youth soccer administrator. He is joined in operations by Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer Mark Washo, a long-time soccer executive having previously held senior leadership positions in Major League Soccer and Women’s Professional Soccer clubs, as well as the Rochester Rhinos.

The ownership group also has developed a strategic partnership with St. John Fisher College’s Sport Management Department, led by Dr. Todd Harrison, associate professor and chair, to provide faculty expertise and a variety of other support for the club.

About NISA Rochester, NY

We are a professional soccer club committed to positively impacting the City of Rochester and its surrounding communities by fielding a competitive, championship-caliber team while supporting the development of youth soccer locally. Passion and inclusion are our North Star, guiding how we live, how we act, how we play, how we serve. Rather than being a sport business operating in Rochester, we are a Flower City business operating in sport. As such, we acknowledge our responsibility in nurturing social and economic connections through inclusive business practices. We actively embrace diversity and aim to reflect back the faces and voices of our region.

For more information about NISA Rochester, NY visit NISARochesterNY.com or contact at passion@NISARochesterNY.com.  Follow the club on Twitter @NISARochesterNY and on Instagram @nisarochesterny.