Chris Ross brings breadth of experience to Atlantic City FC
Image credit: Atlantic City FC/NPSL
Chris Ross already had a comfortable, prestigious job in the Scottish Premiership. But after working for historic clubs like Ross County FC, Kilmarnock FC and Stenhousemuir FC, he got the itch for a new challenge across the pond.
Ross left Scotland for New Jersey to accept a position as the commuity development director for NPSL expansion club Atlantic City FC.
“It was the draw of an opportunity to test myself abroad,” Ross explained of his decision to depart stability for the unknown. “I believe that one of the best ways to learn and develop in the game is to get out and gain experience across different clubs, nations and parts of the world. I am also extremely excited be involved in U.S. soccer, which continues to make huge strides in terms of growth and I want to be involved in that development.”
As Atlantic City FC’s community development director, Ross’ primary responsibilities include community relations, club development and brand awareness, per a team release announcing his hiring. Ross plans to use his creativity in addition to his plethora of experience engaging and connecting communities to help foster something special in America’s Playground.
“We want to become a focal point for the community in Atlantic City,” Ross said. “We are planning a number of community initiatives to support both Atlantic City and its residents. On top of that we are also going to be working hard to develop and bring esports events and opportunities to Atlantic City. Later this month, we are also holding open tryouts which we hope many local residents will take us up on. This offers aspiring players a chance to be involved, and the fact that these tryouts are completely free when many other soccer clubs across the nation charge for tryouts is testament to the inclusion we want to offer people in Atlantic City.”
Another item high up on Ross’ agenda is to connect with local charities and youth teams. While working at some of the top clubs in Scotland, he held titles ranging from program coordinator of the charitable arm to consultant for community programs.
Ross’ migration to the States wasn’t completely out of the blue. He had planted a few seeds — some burgeoning ideas — in ACFC co-owner Andrew Weilgus’ mind in 2017 and the two developed a solid kinship.
“I first reached out to Andrew a couple of months before ACFC was officially announced in December. During that time, I put forward detailed proposals on how we could develop the club with Atlantic City and its surrounding areas being at the heart of what we do. The work that Andrew and his co-owner Nicholas (Bilotta) have put in to bring ACFC to fruition and the setup they have put in place is also what made me realize this is going to be something completely unique to U.S. soccer and also to Atlantic City.”
“We’re excited to have Chris join Atlantic City Football Club as the team’s first ever community director,” Weilgus said in a release. “Chris will play a key role in helping the club fulfill our role in the wider community helping to make a difference across Atlantic City and the surrounding areas. We are delighted to be able to begin to put plans in place to have that key impact across Atlantic City in terms of community relations.”
So far, Ross is encouraged by the positive reception the club has received.
“The press coverage and feedback since the club was announced has been extremely well received and it is in no doubt helped by the fact that we are the only minor league sports organization in Atlantic City. There currently isn’t a baseball, football or basketball side and so we hope that this will also offer something for Atlantic City residents and tourists to come and experience and be involved in.”
Atlantic City FC will play its home matches at nearby Stockton University, which has a lovely natural grass pitch and seats 2,500. If Ross can bring the community together as he did at his previous stops, most of those seats might very well be filled on match days.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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