The Tampa Bay Rowdies, a worldwide soccer brand, have returned as a sponsor for the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame, which will celebrate the game’s local history and heritage by inducting its second class this summer.
Rowdies president Ryan Helfrick said it’s a natural partnership.
“The Rowdies were thrilled to see the formation of the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame, ’’Helfrick said. “Our region’s history is filled with individuals from the professional, amateur and college ranks in both men’s and women’s soccer who are deserving of recognition for their significant contributions to the sport locally and abroad. We are happy to be involved and be part of the sport’s continued growth in our area.’’
The TBSHOF will induct its second class during an awards dinner on Thursday, Aug. 13, at Tampa’s Higgins Hall on the campus of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. It includes former Rowdies owner Cornelia Corbett and former goalkeeper Winston DuBose, along with legendary television sports anchor Dick Crippen, who served as the Rowdies’ public-address announcer at Tampa Stadium during the franchise’s early years.
Fred Sikorski, a member of the TBSHOF Board of Directors, said the Rowdies’ support has been gratifying.
“It has been amazing to see all of the support for the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame and our mission,’’ Sikorski said. “While soccer existed when the Rowdies came to Tampa, no one could have anticipated the explosion in the sport’s popularity. The Rowdies are an important part of Tampa Bay’s soccer history, and we are excited to be a partner with the Rowdies’ organization.’’
