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HEAD COACH / MANAGEMENT

OK: I understand that I get to pick the players and strategy - but how will the rest of the management of the club be structured?

The intention is that the club management will include existing employees and Directors of the club. There should be a significant attempt to hire more Scottish coaches, assistants, and trainers. Above all, current management will possess the experience necessary to run the football club, and should be prepared to act in accordance with the instructions of America’s Team FC members.

Who will be on the Board of the club?

An ATFC Member’s Board will be appointed, whose role will include ensuring that decisions taken by America’s Team FC members are implemented on a day-to-day basis. A chairperson of the America’s Team FC web team will also be on the Board, as good communication between the website, the club and the investors will be crucial to the marketing success.

What if members make the club successful, will they be rewarded?

All profits generated by the football club will be reinvested in the club, meaning members will not be paid a dividend or a share of these profits. However, the initial investors in the ATFC business venture will receive their negotiated share of the profits, as will the broadcasting network (if any) from the television and advertising revenues. This will put the soccer club on a more secure financial footing, since there will be no shareholders who take money out of the club. Although there will be chances for profit via several key big prizes awarded for top managers and with board approval - we could provide significantly reduced renewal fees for members if the team achieves a top three finish.

Won't the existing fans of the club be unhappy?

A portion of fans might be, as with all football club takeovers. Recent American interest in European soccer has been met with skepticism and even anger (i.e. Manchester United). Certainly, it will make for high drama as the team travels the country. Many fans will show up just to cheer against ATFC. Others, however, will recognize the benefits of being owned by thousands of football lovers from around the world, rather than a single individual with unknown motives.
There is also the great drama that could unfold as the team potentially turns around what is possibly the weakest professional soccer team in the UK. These “young lads” are renowned for their beautiful location - and ridiculed for their terrible performances on the pitch.

America’s Team FC owners will all be putting money directly into the club - and will be solely motivated by the club's success. No other takeover or new owner will promise that.

THE LOCATION

Where is the stadium located?

Claggan Park, the home of Highland league team Fort William is regarded by many British groundhoppers as the most picturesque in the UK. Set in the outskirts of the town, Claggan Park lies underneath a large hill called the Shoulder, which is next to Ben Nevis. And with the whole Nevis mountain range clearly visible in the near distance the views from the ground are breathtaking. One would-be comedian on a fans website joked that it was just as well the views from the ground were so stunning as there was nothing worth watching on the pitch. All the pubs in the town are recommended for a pre-match or post match drink as long as you don't mind mixing with mountain climbers and tourists from all over Britain. - courtesy of BBC News

THE WEBSITE

How can I keep up on the latest ATFC information?

During the initial team/concept development phase, a significantly robust website will be built, with areas for owners and the general public. Advertisements will also be created that target the growing Soccer community. These areas will be created to both allow for streamlined communication between owners - as well as provide world class interactive, fun and engaging activities for the public, as well as other revenue streaming items - such as VOD, podcasts, team merchandise, travel opportunities, etc. Access to many of these items will be free for members.

How will I interface with other members and the Head Coach?

As a member, the primary role of the America’s Team FC web staff is to provide a website that enables members to steer the course of the club. This will include smooth communications between members and all key club staff. There will be a very robust site that will allow for members to vote for, and “stump” for their starting 11 - and formation. Coaches will hold private forums and daily (as near as can be achieved) reports on the team’s progress will be made available in the Owner’s Section.

PICKING THE TEAM

How will players be selected to participate in the team?

All of the players who participate in this venture need to be able to obtain a Visa in the UK. In order to do that, the player needs to have a recent direct relative who was a citizen of the UK (i.e. Mother, Father, and any natural Grandparent). Also - certain players will be Visa eligible if their mother or father came from a Western European country.
It is anticipated that through networking, scouting, and well placed contacts, we will find the players the team needs to compete and win by searching the NCAA, the US “A” leagues - and some top US players who are already playing in Europe.

Players will be selected based their soccer prowess, but also their unique personality, marketability, attractiveness or camera appeal, an interesting family background or bio, and their ability to portray a positive image of America overseas. It is estimated 10 players will be recruited. All players that sign to participate as a member of the team will agree to have the AFTC owners group act as agent/representative for all endorsements, future sporting contracts, as well as future entertainment opportunities.

How will players react to being picked by thousands of members rather than a manager?

It will inspire them. Having the backing of tens of thousands of members will be the ultimate motivation. Don’t forget, personality clashes between managers and players are common in sports and often lead to poor performances. Our club will not suffer from this. Players will know that if they play well then they should get picked. Owners will get to see weekly updates of training sessions - rated abilities, etc. This will become the best drama. Team selections and formations will be decided five hours prior to kickoff. Although the players picked will be “known” to the public, strategies and formations will be kept secret until game time. Contests, individual leagues, etc can all be created by owners and in some cases, the general public. Games sponsored by the ATFC website will have prizes associated with them. A “Manager of the Year” contest will be tracked on the first page of the website (criteria TBD) - with the ultimate winner eligible to be on the sidelines as the Honorary Coach for the final game of each season.