Organizers of a new minor league soccer team are banking on Toledo’s prowess as a strong sports town.
The Toledo United begin play on May 7, in what will be the second year of the Premier League of America (PLA), the soccer equivalent to Single-A baseball.
“My plan for this team is that it grows to be something as big as the Mud Hens someday,” said Peter Schinkai, majority owner. Schinkai lives and works in Detroit, serving as president of Midwest Entertainment Sports (MES) in Wixom, , a regional sports TV network focusing on minor league, small college and high school sports.
Toledo United comes after previous attempts to bring professional soccer to Toledo. Two indoor teams arose in the 1980s and 1990s, while a more recent effort came from the outdoor Toledo Slayers in 2003-2005. The Slayers played in a national league, whereas the PLA is regional, designed to keep travel costs to a minimum.
Semi-pro roster
Since Schinkai announced plans for a team last summer, he has been busy assembling a roster and coaching staff. Players’ ages range from 17-33, and most are current or former collegiate athletes. One even has experience in Major League Soccer, the top American soccer league.
“We are not allowed to pay our athletes, so that they don’t lose their collegiate eligibility,” Schinkai explained. “For our college guys, it’s a way for them to stay in shape, and it’s a way to keep developing their game and, perhaps, get noticed, especially by teams overseas.”
The United will be coached by David Hebestreit of Ann Arbor, who has coached several teams in Michigan including, for the last 10 seasons, the University of Michigan men’s club team.
Home sweet Holland
United’s home games will be played at Springfield High School in Holland, and Schinkai has been busy marketing the club and selling his product.
“We’ve worked with a lot of the youth clubs and schools, and now we’re getting the word out to sports fans,” he said. Schinkai also said they’ll be unveiling commercials on various local networks soon.
Schinkai hopes the team will average 1,000 fans per game. Through some local partnerships with groups such as the Pacesetter Soccer Club, he believes the team may actually sell out all 4,000 seats for some games.
“Toledo is a phenomenal sports market, which is why we decided Toledo was the perfect place,” he said.
The United’s inaugural season kicks off at home May 8 and concludes when it hosts the league championship on July 31. Tickets for any of the United’s six home games are available for $10 (adults) or $7 (ages 14 and under).
For more information, visit toledounited.com.
