PROVIDENCE – The United Soccer League’s former executive vice president will now oversee operations for Rhode Island FC.
The new incoming minor-league soccer franchise announced Wednesday that Brett Luy has been hired as Rhode Island FC’s new club president. Rhode Island FC says Luy, as its president, will be responsible for all aspects of the franchise, including player development and stadium experience at Tidewater Landing – currently under construction.
Luy being brought aboard comes after the franchise formally announced its name and logo back on Nov. 14. Additionally, Rhode Island FC says the club has sold more than 1,000 season ticket deposits in the first hour after they went on sale Tuesday in anticipation of the club taking the pitch in 2024.
Rhode Island FC says Luy, a former college soccer player from Illinois Wesleyan University, has been with the USL since 2014. Luy, the franchise said, directly worked on multiple innovative initiatives, including introducing the first match to have a video assistant referee during the 2016 season. Luy also served as a member of U.S. Soccer’s Head Injury and COVID-19 task forces, and was a member of U.S. Soccer’s U.S. Open Cup Committee.
“The opportunity to build a club and compete immediately for championships is a dream come true,” Luy said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to getting to work and capitalizing on the local market’s enthusiasm for soccer. In the months to come, we will hire a coach, begin building our team, and put all the pieces in place to provide fans with a first-rate experience cheering on a team for all Rhode Island.”
James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on Twitter at @James_Bessette.
