When was your club founded and what was the mission at the time? Do you feel the club is currently accomplishing that mission or set of goals?
Our club was founded in Q4 of 2019. We took what was originally a regional tournament exclusive traveling team made up of local standouts. Essentially a once upon a time high-school all-star team, Atletico Villita has participated (and actually continues to participate) in what could be considered "high dollar cash prize tournaments". Most notably the Mariachi branded tournaments that take place in Atlanta, Georgia. After weighing several options, we banded together as a group and adopted our "By Players for Players" mantra, as our ownership group and team is made up of Louisville based past, present, and future standouts. Our mission was to present an environment to our players that would land exposure, and potential life-changing career opportunities near and far. We firmly believe we've already accomplished this by putting our group up against Chattanooga FC and Michigan Stars FC recently. We'll continue this path, as we've already seen massive returns in our social media numbers, plus tryout requests.

There are a handful of clubs in Louisville, and some come and some go, do any of the changes impact your club? Is there a fight for players and coaches - or are there enough talented local players to fill in the roster?
We believe that we're positioned to be "untouched" by the local climate here in town. We have what I call "hidden gems". Power players. Kornell Hilliard. David Ibrahimkadic. Memo Clemente. Guys that are ready and willing to carry a team on their shoulders at the drop of a hat. They play with passion, and have an inner strength unrivaled by no other, per our standards. While the "other team" here in town has million-dollar backing, state-of-the-art stadium, and a rabid fanbase, we sit idly by, waiting for our opportunity to shine, and we will. It's only a matter of time. While we've seen a shift in leadership and the player base here in town with many migrating over to the local USL franchise and related youth club/facilities, our "underground" popularity with "fringe" players has created a player pool upwards of 40-50. We're not concerned whatsoever. As the great Jeff Goldblum... er, um, Dr. Ian Malcolm once said: Life, or, in our case, "soccer, uh... finds a way".

You have an outdoor squad in the NPSL, but it looks like you also have an inside squad in the PASL - are these typically the same players, or do you have specialists who only plan in one season or the other? Does having access to year-round soccer help develop some players who need more time on the ball?
We joined PASL as a means of keeping our guys game-fit year round. I've spent quite a bit of time within the indoor soccer spectrum, enjoying several successful seasons in PASL with Louisville Rayo and River City Legends/Saints. In 2013, we ended our PASL season undefeated at 8-0, eventually losing to the Chicago Mustangs, who ended up winning Winter Nationals. Our semi-professional indoor game here has always been strong, and we're looking to continue that tradition. Our PASL roaster will be filled out by the NPSL roster, with a few "mercenaries" sprinkled in for certain methods of play.

Recently, NWSL announced there would be a professional women's club in Louisville; is there generally support for women's soccer there; have you considered adding a women's side to your organization?
Support for the NWSL side has been overwhelming for the ownership group, I'm sure. It sounds like they're off to incredible start, and season ticket sales appear to be off the charts. It's a momentous occasion for soccer fans here in Louisville, and the evolution will continue. There are many of us here hoping that Louisville turns into the "gateway to professional soccer" much like St. Louis was referenced many, many years ago. NWSL and USL have already catapulted the city into the spotlight, and there's more to come. While we've been granted an opportunity to pursue a women's side into a for-now unnamed league, we're holding off until 2021. That one is definitely Covid's fault.

Metro Louisville FC have joined the Icarus FC Hardwood Floor Photo Group

You recently underwent a rebranding - and I sincerely thought your last badge was pretty nice - but this one is gorgeous; what inspired or catalyzed the change? Who was the graphic artist or company? Give them a plug!
We consider the badge a "refresh" more than a rebranding. The newest badge is what we call "all encompassing". The old badge will be utilized for our indoor/arena unit, coupled with a different set of sponsors. The new badge we feel is more versatile, and represents any and all of our incoming brands. While we can't give away too much, there's a method to our madness. Plus, honestly, we really wanted the Ohio River on there. Especially with the skyline. It just made sense. Less is more! Without tooting any horns, that logo was designed by yours truly. While I moonlight as a general manager for an upcoming amateur soccer team, I also spent a lot of time in my earlier years as a production/graphic designer. I like to think that I can hit clubs from all angles, including branding. You can look at some of my work and concepts over at dribbble.com/holycapra. That being said, I've done a lot. I'd prefer for the younger guys to be in the spotlight. Jaden Stevenson comes to mind over at "The Midfield Brand" (@MidfieldBrand). Put some eyes on him. He's good people, and I'm old news.

It looks like you also make kits with Icarus FC, a favorite of ours to be honest, what was the design process like with them? Do you recommend working with them again and how do we snag one of your tops?
We believe that Rob is a standout in the kit community, and we wish we could clone him. One Rob for each time-zone. Icarus FC is our Partner in Flight, and it's always been a painless process to get our orders in and out. Rob and I went back and forth for a little under a week before coming up with the "Cabbie" kit, and it turned out, well, pretty nice. We always come in with high expectations. We can make some arrangements on a top. We have a bulk of extras left over, which I need to catalogue and register on our website. It's kind of a mixed bag. I'll make sure you guys get access to one.

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