As FC Cincinnati moves towards their home opener this Saturday in Nippert Stadium, we want to continue to give our readers more insight into who makes up our club. Supporters, staff and players are only several components that comprise some of the strongest clubs. In our first article we highlighted Adam Sandfoss, a dedicated member of our Supporters Groups. With our second feature, we wanted to give you a behind the scenes look about a staff member that you may deal with on a game-by-game basis.
You may have seen him at the jersey unveil, fan events, or at the FCC offices. Former University of Cincinnati undergraduate turned FC Cincinnati account executive, Josh Staley may be one of the newest faces at the club, but one of the most important if you want to get into Nippert Stadium.
Raised just north of Cincinnati in Centerville, Josh comes from a big soccer family. His father was the former coach of the Centerville Galaxies, a Dayton area club famous for producing quality players like current DC United standout Chris Rolfe. “I was there for every game, rain or shine, kicking the soccer ball around at 3 years old.” Staley turned these experiences with his dad into a college soccer career at Anderson University in Indiana for two seasons.
Josh’s first event for FC Cincinnati was the jersey unveiling where he helped Jeff Smith (VP of Sales) greet guests and answer questions about tickets and the stadium. “I already knew Jeff from working at UC as a student. This opportunity was a perfect match because I was just about to graduate, and was pretty stoked about this team from the very start.” Things worked out for Josh and he was asked to come on as an account executive in November 2015.
Much of Josh’s schedule over the past couple weeks has been to make sure all the staff is organized so the fans have the best experience at the games. “It’s most important for us in our first year that our fans are not only watching professional soccer at the highest level, but they are also enjoying themselves and the atmosphere at the game.”
FC Cincinnati has stated lofty goals of averaging 10,000 fans per game as well as joining MLS in an upcoming expansion cycle. Josh is busy laying the ground work. “It’s part of my job to help build the support of our fan base. Our first few home games will be filled with making sure everything is running smoothly from a ticket standpoint. Answering questions, coordinating groups, etc.”
Josh has already made a big impact for the club by making himself available to fans by attending viewing parties at Rhinehaus & Molly Malone’s as well as the pregame event at the Listermann Brewing Company. “I think watching soccer with all the SG’s and fans is the best part of working for FC Cincinnati. I get to hang out with people that not only have a passion for soccer but also a passion for this city.”
“The past few weeks have been nuts. As you can imagine there is so much preparation leading up to this first kick off. While at times it has been stressful, we all sit back and realize what we are doing and it keeps everyone at FC Cincinnati moving forward.”
The first home game on April 9th is Josh’s 24th Birthday, so if you see him, make sure to say hi. “I will feel a lot better with an FC Cincinnati win. Maybe pop some champagne after. Everyone is invited!”
@bryanweigel for @cincysoccertalk
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READ MORE from Cincinnati Soccer Talk:
This Week in FC Cincinnati – April 5th
FC Cincinnati Forge First Win in Bethlehem – Full Match Report