The Shreveport Rafters FC, our city’s new soccer team and newest addition to the world of sports, held a press conference today in downtown Shreveport to announce sponsors, tickets, and an official fan club. We gave a rundown of the new team’s goals, inspiration, and purpose in a previous article.
First, season passes are on sale now, and include seven conference games and two exhibition matches to be played between April and July of 2016. A season consists of about twelve games total, including home and away. Season passes will be $72 for adults and just $36 for children. The full season schedule will be released December 20th and season passes will begin shipping January 25th.
In addition to season passes, Will Broyles (president of the Rafters) announced the official fan club: The Riverjacks. The Riverjacks will be headed up by Adam Hester, who is also the Shreveport chapter president of The American Outlaws. Broyles likened The Riverjacks to Chattanooga’s “Chattahooligans,” a tight-knit group that gather not just for matches, but outside of the games as well to foster a community around the team. Those who want to join the Riverjacks can partake in an expanded season pass package called the Jack Pack which includes a season pass, membership to the fan club, an official t-shirt, poster, and decal for you to declare your fandom. Jack Packs are $92 for adults and $56 for kids.
A few more hopes for the community’s involvement in sports, particularly soccer, came from sponsorship head, Butch Bellah.
“People used to say Shreveport isn’t a sports town. I’ve gone out on Saturdays and I’ll tell you, there are people not only attending soccer games, but we have young kids playing the game,” said Bellah. “It’s not just little boys, it’s girls as well, it’s all socioeconomic backgrounds.”
Greg Palmer, who was named head coach of the team just last week, chimed in about his excitement.
“I think Shreveport has a lot a potential to grow, and we are excited to grow. This league allows us to do that,” Palmer said. “I would like to thank Will and Jim [Broyles] for this opportunity. I’ve been here for five years and the growth of the game has been enormous. The excitement of the people in Shreveport soccer is fantastic.”
Coach Palmer, who has worked with CABOSA (Caddo-Bossier Soccer Association) for a few years now, hails from London and promises to make the Rafters as professional as possible.
“The sport will be held to the highest possible standards. The players are there to be role models, not just to play. I’m excited to be a part of this, and we hope we have the backing of you all, and the community.”
Open tryouts will be held Nov. 7th at Lee Hedges Stadium. Online registration for tryouts can be found here.
Several sponsors were also announced at the event, including local radio favorite 98 Rocks, Aneca Federal Credit Union, Pel State Services, Tomahawk Rentals, and – as we predicted – Twisted Root Burger Co. More sponsors and their involvement will be announced as we move toward the first season in the spring of 2016.