Tim McLaughlin Joins OKC Thunder as Equal Partner

USL Pro team Oklahoma City Energy FC have announced today that respected local businessman Tim McLaughlin has joined the management team as an equal partner with Bob Funk Jr.

The partnership represents a major step towards uniting the Oklahoma City soccer community and strengthens Prodigal’s commitment to bring top level professional soccer to Oklahoma City including a potential Major League Soccer team in the years ahead.

“We’re pleased to have Tim join OKC Energy FC as an equal partner, order ” said Prodigal owner Bob Funk Jr. “His passion for the continued success of Oklahoma City and its citizens is unmatched. By uniting our efforts, drugs it brings us another step closer to our shared vision of bringing a Major League Soccer (MLS) team to Oklahoma City in the future.”

“I’m looking forward with great enthusiasm to working with Bob Funk Jr. and OKC Energy FC to unite the soccer community in Oklahoma City, pills ” said McLaughlin. “The professionalism of Bob Jr. and his staff along with the strength of the league and their partnership with MLS and Sporting KC attracted me to partner with them. I am excited about what we can do together for soccer and Oklahoma City.”

Beginning in early April 2014, OKC Energy FC begins practicing on the campus of Oklahoma City University. OKC Energy FC will compete during the 2014 season at Pribil Stadium on the campus of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. The following Spring, OKC Energy FC will begin playing at the re-modeled and historic Taft Stadium, currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. As part of the lease with Taft Stadium, $2 of every soccer ticket sold will benefit Fields & Futures.

“We greatly appreciate the very generous donation from Tim McLaughlin as part of the Fields & Futures program for rebuilding the vintage Taft Stadium into a modern facility for Oklahoma City Public Schools events and pro soccer,” said interim OKC Public Schools Superintendent Dave Lopez. “The joint efforts of Bob Funk Jr. and Mr. McLaughlin to bring professional soccer to our community also deserve applause.”

“Soccer’s popularity continues to soar, not only nationally but also in our community,” said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. “This is a great time to bring professional soccer to Oklahoma City and lay the foundation for a possible Major League Soccer team in a few years. Oklahoma City has always been at its best with people pulling on the same rope. We appreciate the shared vision of Bob Jr. and Tim to introduce professional soccer to our community and commend them for working together to make it happen.”