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Local organizers ask Calera to host UPSL semi‑pro club at Calera Soccer Complex; council signals conditional support
Summary
Organizers told council the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) approved a Calera franchise and requested city help to secure the Calera Soccer Complex for five home games (first home March 28); the club asked the council to consider waiving rental fees, and the mayor and parks director were authorized to work out logistics and insurance.
Local organizers and youth-soccer advocates asked the council to partner with a newly approved United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) franchise and to let the team use the Calera Soccer Complex for home matches beginning this spring.
Carl Derler, representing the organizers, said the club is league-approved and has players ready but lacks a home field. "The number one thing we need right now is a place to play," Derler told the council. He said the team's first away match is scheduled for March 21 and the first potential home match for March 28.
Derler asked the council to consider waiving or reducing rental fees to make the semi‑professional team financially viable and to provide a pathway for high-school players to continue locally after graduation. He said the UPSL competition would be the fourth tier of professional soccer in the U.S. and could help bring tournaments and ticket revenue to local businesses.
Parks director Drew Carney was quoted in the discussion as available to meet with organizers; the club and the parks director planned a follow-up meeting the next morning to confirm field availability and rental terms. City Attorney Grace and other council members said standard rental procedures and liability-insurance requirements should remain in force; council members suggested the mayor and park staff could handle administrative arrangements and return to the council if any fee waivers or ordinance exceptions were needed.
The council did not take a formal vote to waive fees at the work session but signaled support to move forward administratively if insurance and other requirements are met. The organizers said they would accept a conditional administrative approval while they finalize insurance and logistics with the parks department.
Next steps: club organizers will meet with Parks Director Drew Carney to finalize availability and insurance; the mayor's office may administratively approve a rental or return to council for fee-waiver requests.
