May 19, 2022
For Immediate Release: Rochester, NY
Salvatore SoccerSam Fantauzzo announced Wednesday on Front Row Soccer that he was retiring from the game.
Full Article: https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2022/05/18/stepping-away-soccersam-to-sell-lancers-indoor-team/
“This is honestly one of the hardest decisions of my life.” Fantauzzo said. “I always thought someday I would retire from pizza and make Indoor Soccer my retirement hobby. COVID changed all that. My main business was affected with staff and supply issues that I thought was temporary but continues today. I’m forced to help my son and staff plus our franchisees and over 1,500 employees navigate through this nightmare! I’m overwhelmed at work, and I need to spend non-work hours with my beautiful wife Linda and our 15 amazing grandkids!”
SoccerSam took over as commissioner of the Irondequoit Fall Soccer League (IFSL) in 1980 with the help of his wife Linda. This 20 team league offered Fall soccer to some of the best former Pro players, college coaches and this areas best local players. In 1994, an all-star team traveled to Agropoli, Italy and won an adult tournament. SoccerSam and his board organized several international trips. He has spent over 40 years supporting youth and adult soccer throughout Monroe county.
In 1994, SoccerSam started America's first weekly soccer TV show called "The SoccerSam Show" on the Warner Brothers Network. In 1995 he started his weekly wacky radio show called Kick This! The SoccerSam Show, which aired for over 20 years on iHeart radio.
On the Professional Soccer side he helped the Buffalo Blizzard, Rochester Rhinos, WNY Flash and his own Indoor Lancers in 2011. He eventually brought the Lancers back to outdoor soccer and added the Lady Lancers. The Lancers name and logo is the oldest soccer brand in America that was formed in 1967!
"We sold our NPSL & UWS rights to the Flower City Union in the summer of 2021 but unfortunately things didn’t work out." said Kayla Klark Kent-Moreira. "I have now taken over the UWS LADY LANCERS and look forward to seeing their success on and off the field. I would also like to see the NPSL Lancers back in action next season but new owners have not been established yet"
“Kayla has been the driving force behind our teams for years.” said SoccerSam. “She will make sure our Lady Lancers fans, players and coaches experience something special!"
Doug Miller continues to operate his youth club using the Lancers name & logo. He currently has one of his academy teams competing in the UPSL.
The Big News! Fantauzzo has decided to sell his MASL Indoor Pro Lancers membership and his two memberships in M2 to complete his retirement from the game.
“I have people interested from all over the country to move the teams." said SoccerSam. "I would love to help keep pro indoor soccer in Rochester but The Dome Arena doesn’t have enough seating based on the new direction of the league. The Lancers original home was the Blue Cross Arena but the new owners haven’t welcomed any new outside sports tenants.”
SoccerSam hopes to continue supporting all forms of youth and pro soccer in the Rochester, NY area.
"We should all be thankful for the time, energy and money that SoccerSam has poured into this great sport." said Kayla Klark Kent-Moreira. "Soccer in Rochester wouldn't be what it is today without him."
More Information Contact:
Kayla Kent-Moreira, Operating Partner – (585) 590-7140 – Kayla@RLancers.com