FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          May 18, 2009
 

ATLANTA, GA (May 18, 2009) – Alabama Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) today announced the selection of Blue Sombrero as their exclusive technology provider through 2012.  This new partnership will not only provide AYSA with a state-wide data management system for over 18,000 players, but afford it’s more than 50 affiliated soccer clubs the opportunity to accept online registration through Blue Sombrero’s industry leading club management service.

Blue Sombrero’s selection was due in large part to AYSA’s drive for a fully integrated data management service from club to state that allows each club the freedom to be able to manage and customize its day to day operations and registration.  In addition, there was a concerted effort to reduce data duplication and increase overall data integrity statewide.  AYSA found not only the technical know how in Blue Sombrero, but also a deep industry knowledge from their specialization in youth soccer.  

“After reviewing several different programs, AYSA overwhelmingly decided to use the Blue Sombrero registration and data management service.  Since Blue Sombrero was started at the club level they understood the need to be user friendly.  Now with their advanced State programming, they are able to meet our States needs in all areas of the registration process.  We feel confident this service will accomplish the integration and ease of operation that we are trying to achieve,” says Steve Brown, AYSA President.

Alabama’s new web-based functionality will provide each AYSA club a unique registration management service that integrates seamlessly with the Alabama Youth Soccer Association.  Blue Sombrero’s separate but integrated approach has proven to be the most flexible system on the market providing each organization, whether state or club, the tools that it needs to run effectively.  

Adam Abney, Senior Sports Consultant for Blue Sombrero who helped establish the partnership said ”We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with AYSA and their member clubs. The one-two punch that the new Blue Sombrero State Service brings with its seamless integration and premium club functionality is what we have been passionately working on the last 7 years.  No state is the same and it requires a lot of industry knowledge to make a successful partnership.  We think Alabama is a fantastic partner to continue our market leader position.”

Alabama now joins Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Wyoming as one of five US Youth Soccer State Associations using Blue Sombrero’s State Service, first released to the market two years ago.  

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About Blue Sombrero, LLC (www.bluesombrero.com):
Founded in 2002 by two former professional soccer players, Blue Sombrero has become the leading technology provider for soccer clubs, leagues and state associations with more than 400 clients in 45 states across the U.S.  Blue Sombrero’s mission is to alleviate the stresses of youth sports administration by providing the most flexible system for online registration and league management.  Love Sport. Not Paper.

About Alabama Youth Soccer Association (www.alabamayouthsoccer.org):
Alabama Youth Soccer is a non-profit and educational organization whose mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of Alabama’s youth through the sport of soccer.  Alabama Youth Soccer’s Recreational programs emphasize FUN and de-emphasize winning at all costs. Every child is guaranteed playing time and the game is taught in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.  For the player with advanced skills and greater ambition, Alabama Youth Soccer provides competitive leagues where the serious player may set her or his sights on a college scholarship or even playing for the US Olympic or National teams.

Alabama Youth Soccer and its 18,000 players, as well as its hundreds of coaches and volunteers, are members of US YOUTH SOCCER, the UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION and FIFA (the Federation International de Football Association).

Contact:
Michael Luscher
Blue Sombrero
Ph: (404) 835-0302
Email: michael@bluesombrero.com