EPYSA NAMES BRANSCOME CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

HORSHAM, PA (August 25, 2009)- The Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA) announces the appointment of Chris Branscome as Chief Executive Officer. He boasts nearly two decades of experience working across the youth, college and professional levels of soccer in the United States and has strong ties to Eastern Pennsylvania as a player, coach, and executive. Branscome joins EPYSA after spending the past five years as the Director of Marketing for US Youth Soccer, which oversees 55 state associations in the U.S., including the EPYSA. <read more>

In his new role, Branscome oversees all aspects of youth soccer operation and development in Eastern Pennsylvania and provides strategic vision for furthering the marketability and growth of the sport throughout the region. He is also responsible for oversight of the governance of players, coaches and officials at the recreational, travel and club levels. In addition, he directs the office staff and a dedicated group of volunteers to manage the state's Olympic Development Program, coaching education, the state cup tournament, camps and other soccer related programs.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Chris' stature take charge of our organization as Chief Executive Officer," states Bob McDade, President of EPYSA. "His many years of experience in the soccer community at the national and local levels will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen and expand the game of soccer in Pennsylvania."

While with U.S. Youth Soccer, Branscome oversaw national advertising, branding, marketing and media relations initiatives. He worked closely with state associations, sponsors and staff for the US Youth Soccer National Championships and the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop and Coaches Convention. In his tenure, both sponsorship and media exposure more than doubled year over year. Additional highlights include the creation of The US Youth Soccer Show on Fox Soccer Channel, Youth Soccer Month and a re-launch of USYouthSoccer.org.

"I am extremely proud to have been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the EPYSA," relates Branscome. "It's exciting to return home with the opportunity to shape an organization which has played such an important role in my life growing up. Soccer is a great game and I am thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the experience and development of thousands of youth players throughout Eastern Pennsylvania."

At the professional level, Branscome served as Vice President and Director of Sales and Marketing with the Philadelphia Kixx. He also served as the General Manager for the NPSL's Chicago Power and Director of Operations for the American Professional Soccer League.

Prior to joining U.S. Youth Soccer, Branscome served as Director of Athletic Marketing and Promotions at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia and Towson University in Maryland. Branscome holds a U.S. Soccer "A" License and coached at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. His coaching experience also includes serving as an ODP head coach for teams in the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Ohio South Youth Soccer associations.

A native of Lafayette Hill, PA., Branscome competed for various EPYSA club teams as a youth, played high school soccer at LaSalle College High School and collegiately at Villanova University. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.

BACKGROUND: The Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association is the governing body of youth soccer in the Eastern Region of Pennsylvania, coordinating the play of more than 200,000 players, coaches and officials. A member of US Youth Soccer and the US Soccer Federation, the EPYSA serves to promote the game of soccer and foster the physical, mental, and emotional growth of Eastern Pennsylvania youth through the sport of soccer.