An open letter to fellow Aztex fans, and Austin soccer supporters:

You have probably heard, by now, that the Austin Aztex have relocated to Orlando, Florida.

Given this, and recent changes in the USSF rules governing lower-division professional soccer in the U.S., it appears unlikely that we will have professional soccer in Austin for (at least) the next few years. The United States Soccer Federation has set new, steep financial requirements for operating a Division 2 franchise in 2011 and beyond (which includes a majority owner worth more than $20 million, ownership of a soccer-specific stadium, and posting a $750,000 bond at the start of the season). At this point, it is uncertain whether or not Division 2 will even be in operation next year because there are so few teams in the U.S. that can currently meet these requirements. Division 3 (formerly known as USL-2, now USL-Pro) is the only other professional division below MLS, but it is a regional league, which does not currently operate in Texas.

Because of this, a number of Aztex fans, and other soccer fans in Austin, are exploring the option of pooling our resources to form a community-owned team, to operate at the Division 4 level next season. We believe that with regional (intra-state) competition and a non-professional roster, it would be possible to keep operating costs low enough that a supporter-funded initiative could field a team at this level. Revenues generated during the season would be re-invested into the operation of the club the following year. This would allow us to continue to enjoy watching competitive soccer against teams from other cities, with the goal of building towards the future of re-establishing a professional soccer team in Austin (most likely at the Division 3 level, where our former rivals, such as the Rochester Rhinos, and Charleston Battery, will now be operating - assuming future expansion of Division 3 into our area of the U.S.).

Based on estimates of operating costs at the Division 4 level, we believe that we could field a team for a 10 month season next year, in the new Southern Premier Soccer League, if we can find 240 individuals willing to put forward $290, each (the cost of last year's Aztex Alliance membership). People who participate would be true owners of the club, and would be able to steer the direction of the club through an election process. Operations would be handled by volunteer staff. Under a true fan-ownership model, we would be able to build a team for the long-term future, which would remain in Austin forever. This is a model that is used by many teams in Europe and around the world.

No financial contribution is being requested from you at this time. At this stage, we are simply trying to determine if there are enough fans who have sufficient interest to fund this initiative. If so, funds would be collected at a later date, prior to beginning operations. If you would be interested in participating in this, by purchasing the equivalent of a season ticket package (but which gives you ownership in the club, for life), please register your interest here.

If sufficient interest does not exist in the community to fund this, we will not be able to proceed, and funds will not be requested from you.

If you are interested in participating, please register here. This way, we will be able to inform you of developments and any public meetings.