Oxnard Guerreros FC Joins Expanding NPSL
As the growth of soccer continues to reach all regions of the country, the presence of established amateur men’s soccer programs remains on the forefront for cities seeking to tap into the soccer market. The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) has continued to provide amateur men’s soccer clubs with a cost-effective model as the league welcomes expansion teams across the United States.
Ventura County’s Oxnard Guerreros FC (OGFC) is joining the NPSL’s Southwest Conference for the 2017 season.
Related Article: NPSL Expansion: Oxnard Guerreros FC
SoccerToday interviewed Oxnard Guerreros FC‘s founder and president Ty Otto to learn his passions, the team’s goals and why they wanted to join theNPSL.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why did you have your team, the Oxnard Guerreros FC, join NPSL?
Ty Otto: Our philosophy of growing local soccer in America runs parallel with the NPSL. The quality of competition combined with our common goal to grow the game is why we are excited to join the league.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your position with the Oxnard Guerreros FC?
Ty Otto: I am the founder and current president.
We are a brand new team of local players from the City of Oxnard area.
I used to work as a soccer coach for kids in a government funded program. While it was a true passion, I left to give OGFC my undivided attention.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you become in involved in soccer?
Ty Otto: My dad signed me up for AYSO when I was 5 and I have been in love with the beautiful game ever since.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your background?
Ty Otto: I have a BA in Marketing Communications from California Lutheran University. My first business was a Party Bus in the city of Thousand Oaks.
Diane Scavuzzo: Did you play soccer in college?
Ty Otto: Yes, I played as a Center Back or Left Back. Half way through college, I suffered a quadruple ligament tear in my right ankle and have been playing only recreational soccer since.
Diane Scavuzzo: How has soccer changed in the last decade?
Ty Otto: I have seen soccer change from being a joke in the USA to a large component of our sporting market.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why do you think soccer is growing in the USA?
Ty Otto: Today’s youth soccer players and the millenials’ crowd have really gathered around the sport.
My biggest criticism of soccer in America is how we allow heavy tackles — it tells the younger kids its ok to hurt others.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is the one moment you would like to turn back the clock and change?
Ty Otto: When I was younger, I would tackle hard, Karma bit me back with a quadruple ligament tear that ended my playing career.
Diane Scavuzzo: How important do you believe is it for NPSL to work with youth soccer clubs?
Ty Otto: Its essential, we are reaching out to all 14 Development Clubs in the area. Additionally, I am looking forward to creating a great relationship with the neighboring PDL team Ventura County Fusion.
Diane Scavuzzo: NPSL has teams in over 80 markets across the country — is your area in need of more competition or are you concerned about future expansion?
Ty Otto: Oxnard has soccer in our blood, in addition to the numerous youth clubs we have a vast amount of adult recreational teams. We don’t view any of these teams as competition — but rather friends we can work with and help grow soccer.
Diane Scavuzzo: Is NPSL doing a good job with the challenges of amateur/pro men’s soccer?
Ty Otto: Of course.
The NPSL has done the best job of looking to grow the sport rather than just profit from it.
Diane Scavuzzo: How does watching an NPSL match compare to a MLS, NASL or USL game?
Ty Otto: NPSL games show the true nature of grassroots football and diehard fans. Just try watching a Chattanooga FC game online, and let the passion take control of your emotions!
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals?
Ty Otto: Our goals for out first season are to establish ourselves in the NPSL as a major threat and put Oxnard soccer on the map. We have a number of development clubs and amateur teams that are hungry to play the beautiful game at a higher level.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you could pick any super power, what would it be and why?
Ty Otto: Teleportation, I could be anywhere I want at anytime with friends and family. Most people say time travel but then you have to worry about not messing up the future!
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite soccer team or player? Who do you root for behind closed doors?
Ty Otto: I am a huge Everton Football Club supporter! Phil Jagielka is my idol — even if he is having a bad season. Tim Cahill is the close second and I have always been an admirer of Tim Howard. I also love Australia’s Sydney FC; I’m half Aussie.
