VSI Tampa Flames to Open Season in Brandon

News Report

VSI Tampa Flames have been hard at work over the past month getting ready to open the season in May. 

Back in November it was announced that VisionPro Sports Institute (VSI) was establishing an international youth soccer academy in Tampa. As part of the new project, VSI also will operate teams in the PDL, W-League and Super-20 League starting in 2012, with a USL PRO franchise scheduled to begin play in Tampa in 2013.

Since that time, VSI has been working hard to sign its coaching staff and players. 

“We’re excited about the progress we have made thus far and thrilled to bring this level of family and sports entertainment to Tampa,” said Alex Miranda, the team’s general manager. “The structure VSI is putting in place will enable every youngster to have the opportunity to reach their full potential and at a skill level compatible to them. With its flagship USL PRO team, VSI provides a truly vertical progression of youth through to the professional game, simply soccer as it should be.”

VSI Tampa Flames teams will play a 16-game schedule between the months of May and August in the PDL while its W-League team will play a 12-game schedule during that same time period. The teams  will compete in the Southeast Division, facing established opponents such as the FC Jax Destroyers, Orlando City U23 (formerly Central Florida Kraze), IMG Bradenton Academics, Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy, Charlotte Lady Eagles, Atlanta Silverbacks and Central SC Cobras.

VSI Tampa Flames PDL team opens its season at 6 p.m. Sunday May 6 vs the Ocala Stampede at J.C. Handly Park, 3004 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. The W-League team opens its season on the road at 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 11 vs the Charlotte Lady Eagles at Charlotte Christian Stadium. The home opener is two days later when the team faces the Central SC Cobras at 5 p.m., Sunday May 13 at J.C. Handly Park.