AIFA Economic Question Answered

I listen to a weekly internet radio show about the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA).

This radio show is hosted by AIFA Director of Media Relations, Bill Hazen. What I love about this show is they go behind the scenes and allow their listeners watch the development of their league.

My wife and I have been to several Fayetteville Guard games which are affiliated with the AIFA. If you love indoor football, then you'll love this league.

I proposed a question to this league about the recent developments of sports economics. The question was answered by John Morris (CEO/Co-Owner, Business Operations), the interview takes place about 8:30 minutes into the show and last till about 22 minutes.

Click here to listen!

AFL Lost Season Good for Arena Football?

I'm sure by now we've all heard about the lost 2009 season for the Arena Football League. In fact, the Cleveland Gladiators owner James Ferraro told The New York Times, "It's a historic day for the league. This league will be much, much stronger, and it will be here for a long time because of what happened. This is the farthest thing from the league folding. This is, in my opinion, just showing us the league will not fold. The league is developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model."

Originally founded in 1987, the AFL currently has 16 teams. There was a report that a number of AFL teams in large cities had said they would not return in 2009 which could include markets like Dallas, Philadelphia, Colorado, Georgia, Chicago and Cleveland.

This may allow other small market arena leagues to be more successful during their 2009 season. These league are located in smaller cities through out the U.S. and are normally cheaper to operate.

The arenafootball2 league (af2), American Indoor Football Association (AIFA), Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL), Indoor Football League (IFL), and Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) just to name a few.

Teams from these smaller leagues now have the opportunity to nab AFL players at discount prices. Like the Saginaw Sting coming off a CIFL championship, reported prospects of landing AFL players from the Grand Rapids Rampage. Trumbull also reported that, "The AFL's departure could mean more sponsorships or even television coverage for the Sting. You might end up seeing us on TV this year, who knows."

IFL officials, like Abilene Ruff Riders' Communications Director Dane Lisser, see the AFL cancellation as an opportunity. Lisser commented, "Part of the Arena Football League's problem, is there is too much money involved with arena football. With the way we're paying our players, we're going to be OK. There's not any cause for worry."

According to the Ruff Riders' Web site, their players make on average, $225 per game plus a $35 win bonus. Housing and other benefits are also factored in to total the average salary is in the $10,000 to $20,000 range for a four-month season. From other reports, this seems to be a goof average for other small arena leagues. The Wall Street Journal has reported, the AFL boasts an average salary of $85,000. Well, we can now see where the issue lays.

Lisser also commented, "There may be some trickle down of players from the higher-level arena league to leagues lower-level league such as the IFL. There are definite possibilities. This is a step down, but they can continue to play."

The IFL will play its inaugural season in 2009. This league was formed over the past summer by the merger of the Intense Football League and the United Indoor Football League. The new league includes 18 teams that were held over from the merged leagues, and IFL officials are expected to have more than 20 franchises by the time the season starts which is more that the AFL currently carries.

So I guess looking back, the lost season for the AFL springs new life in smaller leagues that can seed their brands in their communities. Score one for the little guy.

af2 Season, Not Affected by AFL Suspended Season

Here's the offical response concerning the arenafootball2 season in the aftermath of the AFL suspended 2009 season.

Release: 12/15/2008

The arenafootball2 league (af2), the official development league of the Arena Football League (AFL), will continue to operate as usual and WILL play in 2009 – the league’s 10th anniversary season. The af2 operates entirely on its own and is not directly affected by the AFL’s current situation.

The af2 is supported by 25 team ownership groups that are personally and financially committed to operate in 2009, a sound and sensible economic structure, and a league office which operates efficiently.

The AFL announced today that the League’s Board of Directors have decided to suspend the 2009 season subject to agreement and cooperation with the Arena Football League Players Association while the League works on developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model.

“Today’s decision by the AFL will not affect our preparation for a successful 2009 af2 campaign,” said af2 President Jerry Kurz. “We’re excited by the addition of Milwaukee to our league family and feel that this, our 10th anniversary season, will provide our fans with the most competitive and most entertaining year ever.”

The 2009 af2 schedule was finalized and released in early November. Since then, all af2-member teams have been busy building rosters, selling season tickets and hiring additional staff as necessary in preparation for the 2009 season.

The af2 is also coming off one of its most successful campaigns in 2008. Last season was the fifth time in nine (9) seasons that the league’s total attendance figure topped one million fans. The campaign was capped off by the best attended ArenaCup championship game in league history. The sellout crowd of 10,662 fans in attendance at Spokane Arena (Spokane, Wash.) were treated to the best title game in league history as the Tennessee Valley Vipers scored a dramatic 55-54 overtime victory over the host Spokane Shock.

The future of the af2 stands on solid ground as well as evidenced by the addition of two new expansion teams already committed for the 2010 season (Toledo, Ohio – Toledo Bullfrogs; Worcester, Mass.). The league has also expanded its corporate support by developing multi-year relationships with two brand new league partners – Aaron’s and Russell Athletic – to join current proud supporters such as Schutt, Spalding and Network Foundation Technologies (NFT).

Thanks to NFT’s patented online broadcasting technology, “af2TV” was developed and successfully implemented in 2008. In the inaugural season of af2TV, close to 250,000 online viewers from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 40 nations from five different continents logged in to view af2 games throughout the 2008 season. This FREE-for-View online network will once again showcase every game of the league’s 10th anniversary season live over the Internet beginning in March.

It's Official: AFL suspends 2009 season

Courtesy: Arena Football League

Release: 12/15/2008

NEW YORK -- The Arena Football League Board of Directors will suspend the 2009 season subject to agreement and cooperation with the Arena Football League Players Association while the League works on developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model.

“Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the League, the game, and, most importantly, the fans,” said Acting Commissioner ED POLICY. “Owners, however, recognize that, especially in light of the current unprecedented economic climate, the AFL, as a business enterprise, needs to be restructured if it is to continue to provide its unique brand of this affordable, fan-friendly sport.”

The Board of Directors conducted a meeting via conference call Sunday night and voted in favor of a motion to suspend the 2009 season. Columbus Destroyers co-owner and vice chairman of the AFL Executive Committee JIM RENACCI was asked by the Board of Directors to spearhead the restructuring process.

“Ownership truly appreciates Acting Commissioner Policy’s steady hand and stewardship in what has been a challenging time for the AFL,” said Renacci. “Our owners will work in conjunction with Policy to develop a plan that ensures the future of the AFL.”

“We, the owners of the Arena Football League, realize we have the most fan-friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere,” said JON BON JOVI, co-owner of the ArenaBowl champion Philadelphia Soul. “These are trying economic times. The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in the years to come.”

“Our involvement with the Arena Football League was always geared toward promoting football on a year-round basis,” said Dallas Desperados owner JERRY JONES. “Our experience with the Desperados has accomplished those goals and has been very positive. As we move forward we will explore all of the options that are available in regard to the future of the AFL and the Desperados.”

After 22 seasons, the second-longest tenure of any U.S. pro football league, the decision to suspend the 2009 season was not made lightly. AFL ownership has conducted multiple meetings over the past several weeks, discussed numerous options and concluded that this decision is in the best interests of the 16-team AFL and its fans.

“As a four-year owner of the Georgia Force, I have enjoyed our affiliation with Arena Football. In addition, our club is very proud of its leadership position in the league in many areas on and off the field,” said Georgia Force owner ARTHUR BLANK. “We want that to continue for our fans, so we support the decision to focus our energies on securing the long-term success of the Arena Football League.”

“Although it is disappointing to suspend the 2009 season, the Arena Football League and its owners feel it is essential to reevaluate the current business model to ensure the livelihood of the AFL in the future,” said JOHN ELWAY, Co-Owner, CEO Colorado Crush.

“We remain grateful to the greatest fans in the world for their avidity and their patience. It is with them in mind that the AFL, its owners and its players remain committed to resuming play as soon as it is feasible,” concluded Policy.

Another NFL - AFL Merger?

To arena football fans delight, the Arena Football League's attendance increased dramatically over its last few years, averaging 12,415 wild fans per game during the 2007 season. However, the increase was accompanied by greatly increased expenses and debt. This lead to the league's suspension of operations on December 14, 2008. The Arena Football League itself has suspended its operations for 2009 but they have continued to maintain the AF2, their minor league.

Let me tickle your Arena Football fancy with a possible league saving solution. If the Arena Football League can not reach a solution with restructuring their organization, then I propose a buy out.


Not by me, of course, but maybe the National Football League would be interested. I purpose an AFL-NFL merger.

Now before all the arena nay-sayers start booing and hissing, hear me out. A merger is any combination of two or more business enterprises into a single enterprise. This would be perfect since both organizations represent a same idea, professional football entertainment.

The Arena Football League has been around for 22 years while the National Football League has been around for 88 years. Some of you may remember a similar merger, the AFL–NFL merger of 1970 was the merger of the two major professional American football leagues in the United States at the time, the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL).

While that was a merger of two outdoor leagues that were at war with each other competing for the same ratings, my merger recommendation would be more beneficial.

My proposal on how the NFL could use the AFL:

1) NFL owners could purchase existing AFL teams and relocate them to their respective cities. This would make AFL teams more financially stable while allowing NFL owners a chance to expand their fan base with an outdoor game as well as an indoor game. With the exception of the New Orleans VooDOo

2) Perhaps use the AFL as a NFL minor league system for farming future players while even giving practice squad players a chance for additional playing time.

3) Year around marketing opportunities. The NFL owners who also own AFL teams (like the Dallas cowboys and the Dallas Desperados) can create combo ticket packages for both teams. This will create a link for fans to experience both games for a reasonable price.

Since the Arena Football season is during the NFL off-season, teams can lower cost by using the same training facilities and staff.

Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Desperados owner Jerry Jones said it best, "Our involvement with the Arena Football League was always geared toward promoting football on a year-round basis. Our experience with the Desperados has accomplished those goals and has been very positive."

No 2009 Season for Arena Football

Despite cutting the salary cap, it has been reported that the Arena Football League will shut down operations for the 2009 season. They do plan to restructure the organization and return to play in 2010.

Owner and chief executive of the Cleveland Gladiators, James L. Ferraro responds to the leagues decision, "I think it's a historic day for the league. I think this league will be much, much stronger, and it will be here for a long time because of what happened."

AFL officials are in hopes of coming up with a better business model reported from their conference call last week. The league's board of directors conference call apparently voted to shut down because too many big-name owners or big-name cities said they would not return in 2009.

An anonymous source stated, "We couldn't be taken seriously if we lost too many teams, especially in big markets. That's what was going to happen. We needed to shut down and reorganize."

This has been an off-season of uncertainty for the league. The 16-team league has delayed indefinitely the start of free agency as well as the release of its 2009 schedule. The dispersal draft to award players from the defunct New Orleans Voo Doo has also been suspended. There has been no permanent replacement named for former AFL commissioner David Baker. Baker abruptly resigned last July, just two days before the Arena Bowl championship game.

This is truly a sad day for the organization. The fact they had to shut down a season of operation worries me. The restructure should have begun at the end of last season and worked non-stop during the off season to reach an acceptable result. As recently reported, the af2 (AFL minor league) operates entirely on its own and is not directly affected by the AFL's current situation.

Perhaps this is good news for alternative arena leagues like the AIFA. According to AIFAProFootball.com, it's business as usual for the American Indoor Football Association.

The AIFA commented, "With the recent announcements that the Arena Football League (AFL) and participating teams are suffering financial hardships that could potentially result in the suspension of operations for the 2009 season, the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) will continue with business as usual."

The 2009 AIFA season begins in March and the league is already planning for the future. Business must be good for the league since they recently added Two expansion franchises (Richmond, VA and Trenton, NJ) to the 2010 season line-up.

The AIFA begins their third season of operations with a total of 16 participating teams. These teams have a footprint that reaches from the East coast to as far west Utah.

AIFA league co-owner John Morris has been working relentlessly securing the future for the ever expanding league. Morris commented, “We are in a great position today. We have sixteen teams in four divisions on two different coasts. You cannot drive up and down I-95 without driving through a city that is represented in the AIFA. We have teams in Harrisburg, PA, Erie, PA, Reading, PA, Baltimore, Washington DC, Florence SC just to name a few. That is what makes our business model successful. Travel costs are kept low because of our strategically placed teams. When an owner can take his team on the road, play the game, and drive home all in fewer than seven hours, that saves the participating teams thousands of dollars in operating expenses.”

Another reason for the leagues success is the implementation of the first-of-its-kind Playoff Incentive Package. This package is a nest-egg of $110,000 that is utilized to financially aid teams that advance past the 14 game regular season.

John Morris responded regarding the Playoff Incentive Package, “We want our teams to be able to play into the post season. Each team has a projected budget going through the regular season. Should they advance into the playoffs and beyond, they should not have to worry about where they will fit post-season travel expenses into their budget. They need to focus on winning football games and a championship.”

So as well can see, there may be trouble on the horizon for the AFL, but the AIFA is on it's way to securing a solid foundation for it's league. They reassure all of their teams, sponsors, and fans that the AIFA will definitely be kicking off its third successful season in March. As well as working on continually stabilizing the league through 2010 and beyond.

AFL Troubles on Hold for Now

It seems to be pre-mature when the owner of the AFL's Los Angeles franchise reports that the league is expected to call off the 2009 season. L.A. Avengers owner Casey Wasserman told the L.A. Times that the AFL needs to take the necessary steps to become more efficient in this poor economic time. Wasserman told the newspaper that this decision was not yet official, however, he expected the owners to vote on the approval this week.

Wasserman replied, "It's important for the Arena Football League to think about the next 20 years. And the economic model, combined with the economic environment we're in currently doesn't allow us to take that perspective. By suspending play for the year, in cooperation with our players and our partners, it allows us to get the perspective to try and make the decisions that are in the best interest of the long-term viability of the league."

The AFL Board of Directors released the following statement in response to rumors of the suspension of the 2009 season, "Despite rumors and reports to the contrary, the Arena Football League Board of Directors has not suspended the 2009 season at this time. The Board met via conference call this evening. The Board will continue to meet regularly to examine any and all long-term structural improvement options for the AFL."

So how do you fix the leagues financial issues? This first step is to fix the salary cap which is the maximum amount of money that can be spent on salaries for a sports team or other group. The players' union voted to cut the salary cap from $2 million to $1.4 million in order to help save the coming season.

Hopefully this is just the first step to help restructure the league for long term success. Ahmad Hawkins, union rep for the Grand Rapids Rampage commented, "I'm one of the top-paid guys and I was the first one to say I'd take a pay cut. We agreed to take the salary cap lower. The players want to do anything we can to play this season." Hawkins, a defensive back with the Rampage earned $75,000 last season.

The AFL's troubles come during a time when the world of sports is feeling economic crunch. The NFL is cutting 150 jobs, while the NBA and NASCAR also have laid off dozens of workers. Even the NHL is in a hiring freeze while the Internet operation for Major League Baseball also has trimmed positions.

While still in their infancy, the 22-year-old Arena Football League has lasted longer than the American Football League, World League, USFL and XFL combined.

In a show of some stability, the arenafootball2 league (official development league of the AFL) stated they will continue to operate as usual and will continue with their 2009 season. This is the 10th anniversary season of the af2. Fortunately, the af2 operates entirely on its own and is not directly affected by the AFL's current situation.

AFL News: New York and New Orleans

In time of uncertainty, the New York Dragons have unveiled a new logo and new members of the Dragons Advisory Board. Promising a new look and feel they added New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes and New York Giants LB Danny Clark. Rhodes and Clark will bring their expertise in the field of pro football to the Dragons management group.

The new look Dragons have taken the first step to revamp the eight year old team's sports brand. This step was taken by the AFL team's new management group led by Steven and Shanna Silva, who purchased the team from former owner Charles Wang on July 25, 2008.

Silva said prior to the logo's unveiling, "We want to bring a brand new start to the Dragons football team. Updating the logo is just the beginning. We want to show fans that making sure they have the ultimate fan experience is paramount to this management team. From putting the best football team possible out on the field every night, to making sure fan involvement and customer service is the best it can be, this is the 'new' New York Dragons."

Silva also commented, "We're so excited to have both NFLers on board giving the Dragons support throughout the season. It shows how dedicated both Kerry and Danny are to growing the sport of football,as well as fan support of football, in the greater New York area."

New York is not the first team in the AFL to have current or former NFL players join their ownership group or advisory board. More well known members include; John Elway (part owner of the Colorado Crush), Mike Ditka (involved with the Chicago Rush), and Ron Jaworski (affiliated with the Philadelphia Soul).

Silva added by stating, "The AFL has a history of partnering with NFL teams and players, many of our players have come from NFL teams or have gone on to careers in the NFL, and many AFL teams have former NFL players in upper management positions. There is a symbiotic relationship between the two leagues. What's great about having Kerry and Danny on board with the Dragons is that they have their finger on the pulse of the New York football fan. We are looking to expand our reach to those passionate football fans, who may not yet be familiar with the Dragons. Once Kerry and Danny's season ends with the Jets and the Giants, the Dragons' season begins and that passionate fan has an outlet to remain excited about football. They don't have to wait six months for NFL preseason to begin."

Kerry Rhodes replied, "I am pleased to be a part of an organization such as the New York Dragons. I feel with the talent, my experience as a professional football player and position on the Board of Advisers will allow me to explore options to enhance this team. I am excited and we are looking forward to a great season."

On a much more depressing note, the New Orleans VooDoo plan to cease operations despite being near the top of the league in attendance the past two seasons.

New Orleans VooDoo owner Tom Benson (also owns the NFL New Orleans Saints) said the decision to fold the 5-year-old AFL franchise was "not an indictment of [the New Orleans] marketplace."

The AFL released this written statement, "Tom Benson and Rita Benson LeBlanc have been exemplary AFL operators, leaders and partners. The League is saddened to learn of their sudden decision to terminate their ownership of the VooDoo and regrets that they will no longer be part of the AFL family. VooDoo fans and the New Orleans community will always maintain a special place in the history of the AFL for their support of two sold-out ArenaBowls. The league will examine all possibilities regarding the future of the team. This development will not prevent or delay the AFL from continuing to examine new structure possibilities."

The VooDoo have played a total of four seasons in New Orleans, with the exception of suspending operations in 2006 due to the devastation of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina.

Ranked fifth in the league in ticket sales, the VooDoo's average attendance last season, measured by tickets distributed, was 14,321. Due to strong community support, the league awarded the city of New Orleans the past two Arena Bowls.

Rita Benson LeBlanc, VooDoo Co-owner said this about the fans in New Orleans, "The VooDoo fans have been the best in the AFL. Their passion, enthusiasm and support made it possible for us to bring two consecutive Arena Bowls to benefit New Orleans. It is a sad day for our community and our organization, but circumstances prevented us from continuing in the AFL."

Tom Benson also explained to the AFL regarding his decision to fold was based on "circumstances currently affecting the league and the team."

Sports Economic Slump

The National Football League is set to lay off about 150 employees. NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell stated that the league will cut more than 10 percent of its staff. This is in response to the downturn in the American economy.

The NFL has revenues of approximately $6.5 billion, of which an estimated $4.5 billion goes to players. The NFL has always been regarded as one of the most wealthiest professional sports leagues in the world. In fact, Forbes called the NFL “the richest game” and the “the strongest sport in the world.”

Goodell officially announced the cuts to league employees in a memo. What a nice guy. The NFL will eliminate about 150 of its staff of 1,100 in New York, NFL Films in New Jersey, and television and Internet production facilities in Los Angeles. In an interview. Roger Goodell stated that the league and its teams could feel the economic slump in sponsorship and marketing.

Goodell's memo read, “These are difficult and painful steps. But they are necessary in the current economic environment. I would like to be able to report that we are immune to the troubles around us, but we are not.”

However, ticket sales for this season have been strong and stadiums have been mostly sold out. NFL officials believe that was because season tickets for this year’s games were sold in the spring and summer before the financial squeeze on America. Goodell feared the league and its teams would take a bigger hit when season tickets go on sale for next year’s season.

League spokesman Greg Aiello replied, “We’re looking at everything with an eye to how we can be more efficient and reduce costs.” Aiello also said that the NFL still plans to throw parties at the Super Bowl, elaborate events for which the game has long been known.

The NFL is not the only league feeling the effect of a lack luster economy. The Arena Football League is facing financial pressures that could possibly force the league to dissolve.

According to The Denver Post, two unnamed sources "with knowledge of the league's troubles," were cited as stating the league could dissolve if it doesn't secure financing by Dec. 19.

Michael Young, Colorado Crush executive vice president, told the Denver Post, "The business model for the league is broken. If the rug is pulled out from under us, it's pulled out from under us."

The AFL issued an official statement which read, "The AFL is working on long-term structural improvements which have unfortunately delayed some important events, such as the release of the 2009 schedule, the Dispersal Draft, and the beginning of free agency. We thank our fans for their enthusiasm for these events and ask them to be patient a little longer while we finalize our long-term improvements. All AFL teams are working toward winning ArenaBowl XXIII."

Even though some teams are feeling the effect of uncertainty, coach Bret Munsey of the Jon Bon Jovi-owned Philadelphia Soul responded, "We're business as usual. I am continuing to try and find players to make our 2009 roster. That's what we're doing until I'm told to do otherwise. I think they're working on some things at the ownership level and we're just being told to concentrate on keeping this football team competitive and continue to look for players."

Since November 2007, the AFL's board of directors has been looking into various ways to improve the league's finances. One proposal involved individual franchise owners ceding control of the league to new investors.

Reported in Sports Business Journal, AFL owners had approved a tentative deal with Platinum Equity in which the company would invest up to $100 million and assume management control of the league. That deal has yet to be completed and there are no guarantees of an AFL bailout.

In 2006, ESPN acquired the national TV rights to the AFL and also has a minority stake in the indoor league. ESPN signed a five-year deal to have multimedia rights that included everything from Internet to radio to publishing to international distribution.

ESPN released a statement, "We have always admired the AFL's fan-first philosophy, but we have no comment on their business activity."

Will the financial woes of larger sports leagues allow for alternative leagues to succeed?

Alternative Football Leagues

* The United Football League- UFL (NFL Competition)

The UFL's website stated that, The United Football League, a new professional outdoor fall football league, will kick-off its inaugural season in the Fall of 2009. The UFL, featuring high quality traditional football played by world-class athletes, was created to meet the unmet needs of football fans in major markets currently under served by professional football. Serving communities with pride and passion, the UFL will provide fans with affordable, innovative and entertaining game-day experiences.

This new professional football league is being organized by William Hambrecht, a Wall Street investor (former minority partner in the USFL's Oakland Invaders) and Tim Armstrong, a senior executive at Google.

Here's what the NBA's Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban had to say about the league on his blog.

So far there will be between six and eight teams that will compete in the inaugural season scheduled for September 2009. The league initially intended to place these teams in markets where the NFL had no presence.

Hartford, Connecticut
Las Vegas, Nevada
Los Angeles, California
New York, New York
Orlando, Florida
San Francisco, California

Possible expansion:
Monterrey, Mexico
Salt Lake City, Utah

The league is not in direct competition with the NFL since they will play their games on Thursday and Friday nights. This offers viewers an opportunity to experience additional top quality football. This league looks like it will attract former NFL and arena league players.



* American Indoor Football Association- AIFA (Arena Football 2 Competition)

The AIFA is a professional indoor football league that was formed in 2006 foundered by John Morris and Michael Mink. The league's talent level is comparable to a league such as Arena Football 2 which includes several former NFL practice squad players scattered across the league.

The AIFA's Mission statement is as follows. "It is the Mission of the American Indoor Football Association to provide a vision and an environment that is necessary for independently owned companies and the League's teams to become successful in the operation of an Indoor style Football Organization. The League will provide a dynamic style of play so unique and exciting that fans and communities not only enjoy, but desire the sport in any and all geographic area of the United States."

Sixteen teams participate in the AIFA, which is concentrated mostly in mid-sized markets in the eastern United States and the Rocky Mountains.

My wife and I have personally been to a few AIFA games in Fayetteville, NC. The team there is known as the Fayetteville Guard. If you're a fan of arena football then you'll love this league. Since they concentrate in smaller markets it allows more people to see professional football who might not normally get a chance to. my vote is it's worth the money. The only fear is that teams that don't get community support seem to disappear quickly which is a shame.

Being a business major, I'm excited to follow the expansion and development of both leagues. It's intriguing to see teams develop and expand. Good luck to both leagues.

AIFA Fayetteville Guard Open Team Tryouts

Fayetteville, NC- Think you can play professional football? Put you money where your mouth is and strap on tight.

Encouraged to tryout: all athletes who feel they have the ability to play professional arena football. The Fayetteville Guard professional Indoor Football Team is holding their first open team tryouts for the upcoming 2009 season. They are a member of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) and look to take on the league for the 2009 Championship Campaign. Kickers will not work-out at this tryout. There will be another tryout for kickers at a later date.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008
Where: Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, NC.
Registration: 10:00 am
Work-outs: 11:00 am
Cost: Pre-registered $50.00, $60.00 at the door. (Cash or Money Orders Only).
What to Bring: shorts, t-shirt, athletic shoes (turf field, no cleats or track spites), all other equipment will be provided by the Guard.

Get ready to rumble for a pro-style combine work-out!

Drills:
1) 40 yard dash
2) 20 yard shuttle run
3) Broad Jump
4) 225lbs Bench Press Reps
5) Individual position drills and one on ones.

For more information:
Head Coach Charles Gunnings
910-583-0576 or 919-671-7124

Email Coach Gunnings

Be sure to fill out and bring with you:

Registration Form

Tryout Waiver