Former HarbourCats general manager Brad Norris-Jones has joined Pacific FC with one goal: Selling soccer to on Vancouver Island. It may seem like a tall task, but one that the accomplished and newly-appointed executive vice president of the club is more than capable of managing. So says Norris-Jones himself, as he spoke with confidence about his ability to draw interest and garner passion, both on and off the field, for his new club. “I know how to sell sports and entertain people,” Norris-Jones told The Times Colonist‘s Cleve Dheensaw, while affirming that “each (home game) will be special on many levels.” Brave words from the man. But they are warranted. Norris-Jones served as GM of the Victoria HarbourCats baseball club for six seasons, spearheading the growth of the sport on Vancouver Island and drawing upwards of 5,000 fans for games. He’ll hope to do the same with Pacific FC, too. “I have the background in working with sports start-ups and this is a venture like none other,” Norris-Jones said in a club release. Fortunately, the CPL is proving a strong draw across Canada, making his task somewhat more straightforward. Cavalry FC announced recently that its season ticket sales have reached 1,100 sold, while HFX Wanderers FC is fast approaching the 3,000 season ticket mark, according to one report. HFX owner Derek Martin also notes that plenty of club gear has been springing up across cities in Canada’s eastern coast. “People are just excited to put our logo on their chest, which is a really great feeling,” Martin told CTV News Atlantic. Meanwhile, York9 FC and Forge FC are both preparing for the league’s inaugural match, which will be played at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton on April 27. Forge FC’s front office has been hard at work selling flex pack tickets and season’s seats, which include entry to this historic occasion. But for supporters of Y9, the trip to Hamilton will be included in every season ticket package sold, as club president Preben Ganzhorn announced in Woodbridge, Ont. last week that all season ticket holders will also receive a ticket to the first match, as well as transportation accommodations – the club has struck a deal to send 22 buses to Hamilton for the match. As membership figures rise across the country, Norris-Jones knows that some of Pacific FC’s draw will come naturally. But, as is the case in any venture, it will take work on his part to grow the sport among fans old and new. His confidence in the task isn’t lacking, though. “I was told countless times baseball will not work here. But I proved them all wrong,” Norris-Jones added. “I did it in baseball and will do it here in soccer.”
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