David Trunda, the president of Czech soccer, has surprised many by taking a keen interest in Oklahoma City's newest professional soccer team, OKC United.
Trunda, a member of FIFA's development committee, was spotted at the unveiling of OKC United's name, crest, and colors during Mayor David Holt's State of the City address. He has now visited Oklahoma City twice in the last month, with his second trip coinciding with the reveal of the team's branding.
The Czech soccer president has been won over by the concept and people behind OKC United, praising the enormous potential of the project. "I totally fell in love with all the details of the concept and the people here," Trunda said, sitting beside OKC United's sporting director Sead Karaselimovic. "Not everyone can see the potential (here), because the potential is enormous."
Trunda's interest in OKC United is not just about the team itself, but also about the broader infrastructure being built in Oklahoma City. The team will compete in the United Soccer League (USL) beginning in 2028, timed for the opening of the downtown MAPS 4 multi-purpose stadium. Trunda believes that the team can learn from some of the mistakes made in the Czech Republic's youth system, which he is currently rebuilding.
OKC United's ambitions go beyond the professional team, with plans to grow soccer at the youth level. This is where Trunda can be a valuable partner, both through his development-focused role at FIFA and as president of the Czech Football Association. "We're lucky that somebody like David has chosen us, to come here and give us his attention and good will," Karaselimovic said.
Trunda's visit to Oklahoma City has not been a one-off. He has met with the club's top power brokers, toured the site of the new stadium, and even gone on morning runs along the Oklahoma River. He has also visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum with Karaselimovic. "I came just to support this idea," Trunda said, "and to maybe give a little bit of my energy to the people who stand behind it."
Trunda's interest in OKC United is significant, given his position as president of the Czech Football Association and his role on FIFA's development committee. It is clear that he sees potential in the project and is willing to offer his support and expertise. As OKC United continues to build its infrastructure and grow its youth programs, Trunda's involvement will be closely watched by fans and soccer enthusiasts alike.
With Trunda's backing, OKC United is likely to become a major player in the USL and a force to be reckoned with in the world of American soccer. As the team prepares for its inaugural season in 2028, it will be interesting to see how Trunda's involvement shapes the project and helps to grow the sport in Oklahoma City.
Source: Yahoo Sports