Phoenix Native Pat Rodriguez Leads Arizona Scorpions Into 2017 as UPSL Continues to Expand

LOS ANGELES - Dec. 9, 2016 - PRLog -- By Kyle J. Kepner

"Let's make Arizona a soccer state."

This is the ambitious goal of Pat Rodriguez, whose Arizona Scorpions soccer team is bringing the beautiful game to Phoenix families in a way that Rodriguez himself couldn't have imagined while growing up in the Valley.

Playing in the rapidly-expanding United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), the Scorpions are part of a surge of interest in the sport that many will discover for the first time in the coming year. The team provides an exciting level of soccer to the fans who come out to Rose Mofford Sports Complex, as well as an opportunity for young men to showcase their abilities beyond the high school and recreational levels.

Rodriguez founded the club in 2011 and joined the UPSL in 2015, becoming an inaugural member of the league's Arizona Conference. As the owner and head coach, he feels the way about his team that a parent feels about a child, and indeed he guides his players as though they were his own sons.

"I want my players to have the opportunity for very positive achievements," he says. "I want the best for my guys."

Many current and former Scorpion players followed Rodriguez to the club after having been coached by him at Metro Tech High School. Rodriguez is proud to say that one such player is now among the soccer coaches at Metro Tech. "Work hard. Be positive. Your dreams will come true. That's my philosophy," he says.

Like many Valley residents, Rodriguez came to love soccer after reaching adulthood. While in New Zealand on military duty in the 1970's, he was educating a young local on the strategy of handling a pigskin, and in return received a lesson on another kind of "football," one that would change his life, and the lives of countless people he has brought closer to the game here at home.

In addition to coaching the Scorpions, Rodriguez is frequently called in to assist with weekend youth clinics, and the 63-year-old never says "no". In fact, he credits his near-constant presence on the soccer field with keeping him young.

In February, his club will launch its second year in the UPSL, which has expanded to more than 50 teams across California, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona. Local competition for the Scorpions includes ASU FC and Phoenix Monsoon, with Frontera United in Yuma rounding out the current slate in the Arizona Conference. More clubs are expected to be added before the next season kicks off.

Arizona Scorpions

The Arizona Scorpions soccer team is an American soccer club based in Phoenix, Arizona, and a member of the United Premier Soccer League. The Scorpions compete in the UPSL's Arizona Conference.

Contact:
http://www.arizonascorpionssoccerteam.com/
Direct: (602) 242-1693
Arizona Scorpions on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaScorpionsSoccerTeam/)
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United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 40 teams in California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and Colorado. UPSL is the fastest growing Pro Development League in the USA, with 60-plus teams targeted for 2017 Spring Season. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated, and is responsible for maintaining UPSL minimum standards.

UPSL teams are all eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the leagues affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

More information about UPSL can be found at www.upslsoccer.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
info@upslsoccernews.com
Direct: 310-415-5691

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis.pope@upslsoccernews.com
Direct: 951-675-3963
http://www.upslsoccer.com
www.facebook.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague
www.twitter.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague