COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew and the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association (OSYSA) announced today that the two organizations have agreed to a multi-year partnership agreement that includes technical development, sponsorship development and promotional opportunities for both parties.
Given the similarity of their respective missions, the two entities seek to develop a mutually beneficial relationship that will facilitate the continued growth of soccer, promote the two entities within the central/southern Ohio region, create economic efficiencies for both, establish an integrated marketing platform and provide a conduit for technical player development.
"The OSYSA is one of the most successful and progressive youth soccer associations in the United States," said Crew General Manager Mark McCullers. "The Crew/OSYSA partnership establishes a synergistic platform for our organizations to work cooperatively in the areas of player development, business development and promotion of the sport of soccer throughout central and southern Ohio."
The deal enables The Crew to package Ohio South's sponsorship assets with its own, giving it direct access to 55,000 youth soccer players, 12,000 coaches, 3,500 officials and 900 administrators. It also allows The Crew to continually expand its brand, while reaching an extremely desirable audience on the grass-roots level. The Crew coaching staff will work hand-in-hand with the OSYSA Technical Staff at the youth level in the development of "Ohio Crew", a U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program Boys Under-17 team.
"The marketing partnership with The Crew is a win-win for both organizations," said OSYSA President Bud Manley. "We add our 55,000 players and the extended family of parents, coaches, referees and administrators to the inventory of The Crew; we get a marketing function without having to divert the efforts of our current staff; and players will get exposure to expanded professional training and aspirational direction through Ohio Crew. We are excited to grow this relationship and for the additional opportunities afforded our member leagues."
OSYSA, a proud member of U.S. Youth Soccer, is a non-profit entity with a mission to promote and advance the sport of soccer in central and southern Ohio through education, player development, organization of leagues/tournaments and promotion of the sport. OSYSA organizes youth soccer leagues and tournaments, educational, coaching and training meetings and other soccer-related activities throughout central and southern Ohio.
"The marketing agreement with the Columbus Crew will deliver extensive program enhancements to all of our members," said OSYSA Executive Director Jim Martella. "In addition to our member leagues and sanctioned tournaments, our players and coaches will be the beneficiary of this long-term, comprehensive relationship for years to come."
As the marketing and sales arm for OSYSA, The Crew will help coordinate sponsor programs that directly benefit registered youth soccer players. Sponsorship assets include traditional elements such as event banners/signage, uniforms, participant gifts, on-site event presence, and certain other OSYSA proprietary programs. In addition, The Crew and OSYSA will work cooperatively to develop a mutually agreeable annual ticket sales and branding platform that will result in broader opportunities for OSYSA members to interface with The Crew on multiple fronts including special offers and priority purchases.
Anyone interested in sponsorship, marketing or advertising opportunities with The Crew or OSYSA should contact Chad Schroeder, Crew Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships, at 614-447-4158 or via email at cschroeder@thecrew.com.
