It has been an interesting week of meeting new people and saying goodbye to others. Last week I met with Jeff L’Hote from the WPS for dinner and we discussed funding strategies. I was introduced to a local entrepreneur, Frank K. who is an avid soccer enthusiast. Frank was found by a league contact and was intrigued by the possibility of being part of a Bay Area women’s pro soccer team. He wanted to meet me to see what I had done and to discuss a potential working relationship. We hit it off immediately and enjoyed conversation about Bay Area soccer, our families and the Euro championships (he accurately predicted a Spain victory). I updated Frank on where we were at in the ownership arena and we decided to share info and meet again. We each have a couple people we are working on for a lead investor, but agreed time is running short for 2009.

I also spent time with Tom Sutton of Sutton Soccer while my daughter and some of her fellow Mavericks Thunder players got a practice session in. Tom has spent a few years refining his indoor training facility in Alameda and it works very well. He has been trying to raise money to expand his concept and we were exploring opportunities to work together.

I also got some help from Glenn Van Straatum, the head of the Bay Oaks Class I soccer club who e-mailed the 500 or so coaches in the Jack London league a brief overview of what we are trying to do. I have received about 5 e-mails in the last few days from interested people. In either case, getting the word out to the larger soccer community will be critical for the team’s success.

On a sad note, I said goodbye to a new friend, Amanda Vandervort. Amanda was hired by the Chicago Red Stars to head their online marketing. She started her job on July 1st and we weren’t able to connect for one last lunch before her departure. I met Amanda early in my project by e-mailing her after reading her blog. We had a couple lunches and e-mailed each other constantly about the league. She even agreed to be a guest coach for our Thunder girls and did a great job. I am happy for her, because Peter Wilt and his group in Chicago are doing things right. From hiring great people to using new media (see Peter’s blog), I feel this team will be the leader in the league.

Until next time have a safe and fun 4th of July.

Scott