Published: Thursday, March 11, 2010

Staff Reports
Madison Magazine

It’s official. The Rocket City United (RCU) semi-pro soccer team finalized their move to Madison with a ribbon cutting ceremony this week.

RCU announced their intention to play all home games during the 2010 season in Madison last fall. A couple of months ago, they also moved their headquarters from Huntsville to Madison after partnering with Southern Convention Services (SCS).

The new RCU office is located at the SCS complex on County Line Road in Madison.

Several city officials and business leaders were on hand to welcome RCU President Any Zorovich to Madison, including Mayor Paul Finley and Madison Chamber of Commerce Director Kate Gray.

“We think Rocket City United brings a quality sport and athletic endeavor along with an abiding concern for family and community to Madison,” SCS President Bryan Boyd told Zorovich at the ceremony. “We sure are glad you’re here.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony was also used to unveil the team’s new uniforms and 2010 schedule. The season gets underway in May

“Our goal this year is to win it all,” Zorovich said. “Madison is hosting the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Final Four July 29-31 and we plan on playing in it.”

Zorovich also said the team’s long term goals are to develop a soccer complex and training facilities on County Line Road in Madison.

The 2010 season for RCU begins at home against the Birmingham Pumas on May 22 at the Madison Schools Stadium. After that, it’s off to Tuscaloosa for a three game marathon that is used as a U.S. Open Cup qualifying tournament, May 28-31. The home schedule then resumes June 5 against Atlanta FC, June 26 vs. Chattanooga FC, July 3 vs. Tulsa, and finishes with the NPSL Final Four July 29-31.

Zorovich commented on hosting the NPSL Final Four, saying, “It’s a great experience working with the Madison Chamber of Commerce. We’re all working to make it a real event-a soccer fest-with games for kids, a parade and the AYSO season kickoff; and that’s just for starters.”