May 16 – US third tier professional league NISA (The National Independent Soccer Association) has linked with the professional league Liga Profesional de Futbol Mexicano (LPF MX) in a bid to drive the growth of both leagues and their clubs across their shared borders.
The leagues have still to frame their full co-operation but in an initial phase said they will share best practice as well as co-operate on joint sponsorship proposals that cover both US and Mexican markets.
“This first international affiliation is another major step for NISA,” says NISA Executive Vice President Josh Prutch. “The border between our two countries should not be an impediment to working together. Philosophically we believe territorial rights of any kind are artificial limits on the growth of the game. We have players from Mexico, and it is natural for our affiliations to as well.
“Just as we have formed affiliations with leagues representing communities and regions across the United States, we wanted this unique opportunity to add value for everyone involved in the association of NISA,” he added.
The agreement is the first step. The next step includes implementing proper best practices and sharing sponsorships. In the coming weeks, the leagues will get together to strategize and cement the affiliation. The affiliation also is an opportunity for NISA to potentially expand the activities and influence of its diversity, equity and inclusion operations within the game.
LPF has approximately 100 professional and amateur clubs located throughout Mexico with 100 clubs in its top tier. This agreement brings the total number of Clubs within NISA, NISA Nation and affiliations to more than 400 spanning two countries.
“LPF and NISA share the aspiration of growing independent soccer across North America,” says LPFMX President and Founder Juan Serna. “That ethos means we are dedicated to creating growth and opportunities for players, coaches and front office staff. Learning best practices is important, generating opportunities to activate best practices is just as important.”
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