The Heart of America Soccer Foundation (HASF) Launches Letter Writing Campaign: Non-Profit Grassroots Organization Aims to Keep Wizards in Kansas City, Promote Economic Growth through Soccer

The Heart of America Soccer Foundation (HASF) is urging all Greater Kansas City residents to write an e-mail or letter to government officials and members of the media to keep the Wizards in Kansas City. Contact information is available at www.hoasoccer.org

KANSAS CITY, MO (PRWEB) January 2, 2005 -- The Heart of America Soccer Foundation (HASF) today launched a letter and email writing campaign aimed at keeping the Kansas City Wizards in the Greater Kansas City area.

HASF President, Sam Pierron said, In a democracy, it's important to let your elected representatives know how you feel about the issues. The soccer community in the Greater Kansas City area is large but we're usually having too much fun cheering, playing, or coaching to make our voices heard. Today, though, it is important that we do so."
In 2002, a task force formed by former Kansas Governor Graves concluded that a soccer stadium and complex in Johnson County would generate $45 million in annual economic activity and $3.5 million in local and state tax revenues. Over a 30-year period it is estimated that annual economic activity would generate $921 million and $69.4 million in local and state tax revenues.

The task force also found that Kansas ranks second in the United States in the number of youth participants in soccer per capita, and 20th nationwide in soccer participation overall. The Greater Kansas City area ranks 4th in the United States in youth-soccer participation per capita. There is a critical shortage of soccer fields in the Kansas City metro area for tournaments, practices, and league games. All of the consultants who made presentations to the task force were clear on one point: the need for more soccer fields is clear and 100% utilization is virtually guaranteed.

Wyandotte County has learned of the benefits that can be brought to an area by construction of a world-class sports facility. The task force concluded that a world-class soccer complex would bring similar benefits to whatever municipality constructed it.

On its website [www.hoasoccer.org], HASF has assembled a list of local elected officials who will be making decisions about the future of soccer in the Greater Kansas City area. If you think soccer deserves their time and attention, you are asked to send your emails and letters voicing your concerns and opinions. Contact information for unlisted areas and officials is available by request at contact@hoasoccer.org

The email and letter writing campaign will focus on the following:

·   A sports complex with a Soccer Specific Stadium for 20k should attract major regional soccer tournaments and camps with teams and all participants requiring lodging, food, goods and services, and other entertainment near this complex.
·   Soccer promotes health, fitness, teamwork, sport, and competition within the immediate community especially at the youth level.
·   Potential for games with global and continental interest for the US National Mens & Womens teams such as World Cup Qualifiers, US National team friendlies.
·   Potential for games with national league interest such as MLS Cup & the MLS All-Star Game, US Open Cup, CONCACAF tournament opponents and other Club friendlies.
·   As a voter youre tired of championship caliber entertainment and organizations leaving the Kansas City area.
·   Future thinking for the growth of the community and its attractive amenities for the next 20-30 years.
·   The Kansas City Wizards already have a 10 year established fan base now averaging 14,000+ per game to start.
·   In 2002 a task force formed by former Governor Graves concluded that a soccer stadium and complex would generate $45 million in annual economic activity and $3.5 million in local and state tax revenues. Over a 30-year period it is estimated that annual economic activity would generate $921 million and $69.4 million in local and state tax revenues.

About the Heart of America Soccer Foundation

HASF is a non-profit corporation, organized by fans, players, and business leaders acting as volunteers to promote the sport of soccer and the role it serves to enrich the lives of Kansas Citians. In supporting all aspects of soccer in the Kansas City area, we believe the Kansas City Wizards are a tremendous asset and are dedicated to finding a permanent solution to keep them in Kansas City.

HASF will remain at the forefront of all efforts to keep the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer (MLS) in Kansas City. The Foundation will advocate for the development and construction of a world-class soccer complex, which will permanently house the Wizards and provide playing fields for the use of the entire soccer community in the Greater Kansas City area.

The goals of the Heart of America Soccer Foundation are to:
·   Promote the viability of the Greater Kansas City area as a long term home for the Kansas City Wizards
·   Promote the economic benefits of a soccer complex to local governments
·   Serve as an information clearinghouse for potential owners
·   Encourage the citizens of Greater Kansas City to support the Wizards by purchasing season tickets
·   Encourage participation in all levels of soccer in the Greater Kansas City area

For more information on the Heart of America Soccer Foundation, or to become a member, visit the Foundations website at http://www.hoasoccer.org/ or contact HASF President Sam Pierron at spierron@hoasoccer.org

www.hoasoccer.org

###