Football Is For The Fans

Football Is For The Fans
Football Is For The Fans didn’t start in a boardroom — it started in the hearts of those who felt football slip away. It was born out of frustration, loyalty, and that gut-punch betrayal every working-class fan has felt as the game they love was sold off, broadcast deal by broadcast deal, franchise by franchise. The breaking point came with the failed European Super League in 2021 — a bold attempt by billionaires to lock fans out of their own sport. That’s when I knew something had to change.
Now a revolutionary football movement bringing the sport back to its cultural and community roots through the National Soccer League (NSL). 
The Revolution Begins
Fan Ownership
Supporters own the clubs, invest in players, and share in the upside.
Free Streaming
Every NSL match streamed free on FootballIsForTheFans.com.
Cinematic Storytelling
High-octane content with mic'd players and WWE-style entrances.
Unapologetic Values
Authentic, gritty, patriotic - the voice of the working-class fan.
The Problem We're Solving
Overpriced Access
Fans priced out of the game
Corporate Control
Sterile, franchise-based model
Closed Leagues
No promotion/relegation
Lost Soul
Football stripped of its culture
Our Solution: The NSL
Touring League
8-12 clubs with retro identity
Exciting Rules
35-yard shootouts, 4 quarters, no VAR
Entertainment Focus
Mic'd players, dramatic entrances
Fan Ownership
Invest in clubs and players
Looking Ahead: A Brighter, More Inclusive Future
The NSL’s bold application to join the EU’s Football for the Goals initiative signals a game-changing move to lead global football with purpose. With projects already in motion, the NSL isn’t just waiting—it’s building. This is football with a mission: socially responsible, unapologetically fan-first, and ready to set the global standard.
Why Now Is The Perfect Time
2026 World Cup Hype
Soccer viewership in the U.S. is surging in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, creating perfect timing for a new league launch.
Crypto/Web3 Infrastructure
New technologies enable innovative ownership models and fan engagement opportunities never before possible.
Rising Disillusionment
Fans are increasingly frustrated with MLS's plastic, unauthentic approach and FIFA's corporate control of the beautiful game.
Our Big Vision
$800M IPO by 2029
Become a publicly traded sports entertainment company
Media Growth
Build a content engine that rivals major sports networks
Club Sales
Develop valuable club IP that fans want to own
Web3 Fan Investment
Create an ecosystem where fans share in the upside
Brand Ethos & Tone
Authentic
Real football for real fans - no corporate sanitization
Gritty
Embracing the raw, passionate side of the beautiful game
Patriotic
Celebrating American soccer culture and community pride
Unapologetic
The voice of working-class football fans everywhere
Short Bios (Team & Advisors)
Scott “Matchmaker” Michaels — Founder. Brand builder. Outspoken industry voice. Needs to highlight success selling millions in product, brokering club sales, and launching NSL.
Mike Charlesworth — Club owner, investor, experienced in turning around Central Coast Mariners. Visionary on grassroots soccer and strategic development.
Mick Pattinson – A key figure behind Luton Town’s rise, Pattinson is a strategic operator with deep experience in club governance, infrastructure, and navigating football politics. He supports the NSL’s vision to bring integrity and grit back into the game.
Gavin McCann – Former Premier League midfielder with over 250 top-flight appearances for clubs like Aston Villa and Bolton. McCann brings elite-level insight, mentoring, and a winning mentality to support the NSL’s player-first philosophy.
Michael John Tate — Former Southampton pro. Keynote speaker. Focused on building academies and fighting pay-to-play.
Stefanie Calari — U.S. Soccer community programs background, expert in outreach and city-level soccer growth.
Paul Cannell – Former Washington Diplomats striker and NASL cult hero, Cannell brings old-school flair and a no-nonsense football mindset, backing the NSL as a return to football’s raw, entertaining roots.
Our Voice
Simon Jordan Meets Bill Burr
Bold, direct, and unafraid to call out the system. We speak truth to power with the passion of Simon Jordan and the wit of Bill Burr.
Dana White's Intensity
We bring the promotional energy and no-nonsense approach of UFC's Dana White to the beautiful game, creating compelling narratives around every match.
Anti-Corporate, Pro-Community
We celebrate the spirit of managers like Brian Clough and Bill Shankly who stood for the working class - not boardroom billionaires.
Market Opportunity
$30B
Total Addressable Market
Global football market size
$1.5B
Serviceable Available Market
U.S. soccer economy
$100M
Serviceable Obtainable Market
Near-term fan-first opportunity
#2
Youth Sport Ranking
Soccer's position in American youth sports
Cultural Trends In Our Favor
Retro & Nostalgia
Growing appetite for authentic vintage aesthetics and experiences
Alternative Formats
Kings League and Changing Baller League proving fans want entertainment and personality
Social Media Revolution
YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter/X transforming sports consumption
Crypto/Web3 Ownership
New technologies enabling innovative fan participation models
Competitor Analysis
Our Platform Ecosystem
FootballIsForTheFans.com
Free streaming, content hub, investment portal, merch store, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
ProFootballers.com
Invest in players like stocks, share in transfer value, image rights, and bonus pool through smart contracts.
NSLOfficial.com
Investment platform for NSL clubs with equity opportunities, cap tables, dividend models, and sponsorship upside.
NSL Coin
Web3 utility token for voting on club decisions, accessing VIP merch, early access to signings, and staking for rewards.
League Format & Rules
4 Quarters of 22.5 Minutes 11v11
No traditional halves - more dynamic game flow and ad breaks
No VAR
Human element respected - faster gameplay and authentic drama
35-yard Shootouts
NASL-style shootouts ensure every game has a winner
Mic'd-up Players
Hear the real action with cinematic camera angles
Reviving Legacy NASL Clubs
We’re bringing back iconic American soccer history with fully registered IP for legendary clubs including the LA Aztecs, Chicago Sting, Washington Diplomats, Atlanta Chiefs, and more — complete with authentic retro kits via Stylo Matchmakers. These original teams aren’t just nostalgic — they represent a time when football in America had soul, identity, and community roots. Legends like George Best (LA Aztecs), Johan Cruyff (Washington Diplomats), Bobby Moore (San Antonio Thunder), Eusébio (Boston Minutemen), Trevor Francis (Detroit Express), and Carlos Alberto (California Surf) all played in the original NASL — giving American fans a taste of world-class football long before today’s franchise era. By reviving these teams, we’re restoring pride, reconnecting generations, and giving fans something real to believe in — clubs with history, not just logos created in a boardroom.
The National Soccer League (NSL) holds fully registered intellectual property (IP) rights — including trademarks — for the following legendary American soccer brands:
LA Aztecs
Chicago Sting
Washington Diplomats
Atlanta Chiefs
Detroit Express
California Surf
Philadelphia Atoms
San Antonio Thunder
Boston Minutemen
NSL (National Soccer League) – including logo, shield, and name
Stylo Matchmakers – retro football boot and apparel brand worn by Pelé, George Best, Kevin Keegan, and Trevor Francis
Galacticos – heritage-style Real Madrid fan club/team IP for new city expansion.
Liverbirds – heritage-style Liverpool fan club/team IP for new city expansion
Transatlantic Challenge Cup – historic competition branding IP
Media & Streaming Strategy
Free Streaming
All NSL matches streamed for free on FootballIsForTheFans.com
Revenue Model
Ads, sponsor overlays, and data monetization
Cinematic Style
Player cams, locker room mics, dramatic faceoffs
Social Distribution
YouTube and TikTok for short-form virality
Fan Ownership Mechanics
Club Investment
Buy equity in your city's team through NSLOfficial.com with accessible investment minimums ($50-$250). See cap tables, dividend models, and earn voting rights on certain club decisions.
Player Investment
Back players pre-signing through ProFootballers.com. If a player is transferred or reaches bonus milestones, fans share in the upside through smart contracts and legal compliance structures.
Revenue Model
Our $40M/year operating breakeven model is built primarily on commercial sponsorships (75%), with diversified revenue streams from club equity sales, merchandise, NSL Coin, streaming, and player investments.
Financial Forecasts
Unit Economics
$4-8
Fan Acquisition Cost
Via influencer + social + referral channels
$100-150
Lifetime Fan Value
Through merch, events, and token engagement
65%+
Gross Margin
Via centralized operations and lean roster structure
3.5x
Sponsorship ROAS
Based on fan impressions and conversions
Sponsorship Strategy
Kit Logos
Prime placement on retro-styled uniforms
LED Boards
Digital advertising around the pitch
Mic'd Segments
Branded player audio moments
Naming Rights
For events, trophies, and segments
Our NASCAR-style centralized inventory approach targets challenger brands, fintech, crypto, and patriotic consumer goods with packages from $250K to $5M, complete with sponsor dashboards and ROI tracking.
Merchandise Strategy
Lifestyle Apparel
Track jackets, casual wear, and accessories that bring soccer style into everyday life.
Limited Editions
Capsule drops, influencer collaborations, and NSL legends collections for collectors.
Event Logistics & Stadium Plan
Touring Model
Keeps costs lean while maintaining high fan energy
Back-to-Back Games
Reduces per-event costs through shared production
Pre-Engaged Cities
Local fanbases and community leads already in place
Venue Partnerships
LOIs with LA Coliseum, Rose Bowl, Titan Stadium, Erie Sports Center
REIT Strategy
Long-Term Dividends
Fan investment in real estate
Stadium Ownership
Control venues for better economics
Target Distressed Venues
Underused facilities with potential
Key Locations
Las Vegas, Detroit, San Antonio, Erie, OC
Soccer Festivals + School Clinics
NSL weekends = full-blown soccer carnivals
Pre-event school visits, free clinics, player appearances
All kids under 9 get in free — family-first policy
Partnering with local colleges, cities & tourism boards
Cultural events, food trucks, entertainment, music
Drives local economic impact + ticket sales + youth signups
Builds early loyalty with next-gen fans
Ties into national school curriculums, education grants
Touring League Logistics
Thursday
Teams fly in to host city
Friday
Media day and content creation
Saturday
Match day with full production
4
Sunday
Second match or travel day
Our 14-week seasonal tour operates during Winter + Spring windows to avoid NFL/MLS competition, with 1-2 matches per weekend in major cities, building player movement and rivalries week by week.
Game Day Experience
Dramatic Entrances
Fireworks, music intros, and fan themes create an unforgettable atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
Retro Aesthetic
Stadium merch booths and fan interaction zones celebrate the nostalgic vibe of classic American soccer.
Digital Integration
Mobile app experience with rewards, polls, and fantasy-style play keeps fans engaged throughout the match.
Match Presentation
Mic'd Up Players
Hear the real action with "Live Wired" segments that bring fans closer to the game than ever before. Raw, unfiltered, and authentic.
Captain Faceoffs
WWE-style confrontations between team captains before kickoff build drama and personal rivalries that fans can invest in emotionally.
Cinematic Coverage
Ref cams, sideline audio, and custom theme music for each team create a viewing experience more like a movie than a traditional sports broadcast.
Fan Engagement Strategy
Vote on match MVPs, club decisions, player signings
Win NSL Coin by watching, sharing, participating
Live Q&As with players, coaches, and owners
Challenges (e.g. score prediction, design a kit)
Leaderboards for top fans — VIP perks & merch
Discord/Telegram community, in-app gamification
Monthly giveaways for most engaged fans
Club Investment Model
Each NSL club features transparent cap tables with 40-60% ownership reserved for fans, civic investors, and sponsors. Celebrity owners and influencers add star power, with sale targets of $60M per club based on a 12x EBITDA model.
Player Investment Model
Fan Backing
Supporters invest in players pre-signing through ProFootballers.com
Smart Contracts
Legal wrappers and blockchain technology ensure compliance and transparency
Performance Tracking
Fans receive updates on player development, injuries, and scouting interest
Shared Upside
When players transfer or hit bonus milestones, fans share in the financial rewards
Legal Structure & Compliance
Parent Company
U.S.-based Delaware C-Corp oversees all operations and holds primary IP assets.
Club & Player SPVs
Separate special purpose vehicles for club and player ownership pools provide legal separation.
Nonprofit Framework
501(c)(3) entity established to comply with FIFA third-party ownership rules for player transfers.
SEC Compliance
All coin mechanics and investment structures reviewed by securities attorneys for regulatory compliance.
Tokenomics (NSL Coin)
Fixed Supply
Limited tokens with burn-and-earn mechanics
Utility Focus
Used for perks, voting, and investment
Deflationary Design
Token burns with merchandise purchases
Staking Rewards
Lock tokens to earn exclusive benefits
Total NSL Coin Supply: e.g., 1B tokens
30% to community rewards (fans, players)
25% to treasury
20% to early investors
15% to team/founders
10% to liquidity pools & exchanges
Earn from engagement (watching, voting, sharing)
Redeem for merch, VIP access, meet & greets
Invest in player/clubs (fractional)
Trade or hold
Exchange Plan: List on DEX and 1-2 CEXs post-Series A
Compliance: U.S.-based legal team ensuring regulatory structure
Web3 Utility & Staking Rewards
Early Match Access
First chance at tickets for NSL holders
Governance Rights
Vote on team names, kit designs, and more
Player Watchlists
Monitor contract opportunities before others
Exclusive Rewards
NFT badges, merch drops, and signed gear for stakers
Fan Data Strategy
Personalization
Tailored fan experiences
First-Party Data
Owned audience information
Fan Profiles
Location, team allegiance, behavior
Monetization
Sponsor ROI and targeted offers
CRM & Audience Segmentation
City-Based
Segmented by location for local events and team support
Club Allegiance
Targeted content based on favorite team
Purchase History
Personalized offers based on buying patterns
NSL Coin Tier
VIP segments get early access to drops and voting
Go-To-Market Strategy 
Pre-seed
Organic growth via founder voice and legend endorsements
Soft Launch
Tease match content and reality show hype
Phase 1
TikTok virality and YouTube series to build buzz
Phase 2
Targeted launch events in 4 major U.S. cities
Influencer & YouTube Strategy
Creator Challenges
Bringing in big soccer YouTubers for viral challenge content that showcases the NSL difference.
Ownership Stories
Fan-owned football team storytelling with Wrexham/UFC energy that follows the journey of building a revolutionary league.
React Content
Commentary on MLS, FIFA, and other modern football failings that positions NSL as the authentic alternative.
TikTok & Short-Form Media Strategy
Our short-form strategy focuses on high-energy edits of mic'd up players, fights, shootouts, behind-the-scenes content, and react videos distributed through 100+ niche creators on TikTok.
PR & Press Strategy
1
Rebel Positioning
NSL as the anti-establishment alternative
Media Targets
Vice, ESPN, The Athletic + local blogs
Founder Voice
Simon Jordan-style provocative interviews
4
World Cup Tie-In
Connection to 2026 and American sports rebellion
Target Audience Personas
The Forgotten Fan
40s, priced out of MLS, craves old-school football with authentic atmosphere and reasonable prices.
The Young Maverick
18-30, crypto-native, watches Kings League and craves innovation in sports entertainment and ownership.
The LatAm Supporter
Strong cultural football heritage, underserved by current American soccer offerings, seeks authentic connection.
Sales Funnel
Awareness
Viral clips, media coverage, influencer content
Engagement
Follow club/player, watch streams, join community
Conversion
Invest in club or player, purchase merchandise
Loyalty
Join Discord, stake tokens, attend multiple events
Advocacy
Recruit others, create content, host watch parties
Email Marketing Strategy
Automated Welcome Series
Personalized onboarding emails based on fan type (club supporter, investor, casual viewer) with tailored content and next steps to increase engagement.
Weekly Newsletters
Regular updates featuring match recaps, behind-the-scenes drama, player spotlights, and investment opportunities to keep fans connected to the league.
Special Campaigns
Targeted emails around merchandise drops, investment windows, and special events with exclusive early access for loyal subscribers.
Growth Targets
Building to 50,000 engaged fans on email by mid-2026, with segmentation by interest, location, and investment level for maximum relevance.
Paid Media Strategy
Performance Campaigns
Targeted ads across YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and Google to reach soccer fans interested in alternative formats and investment opportunities.
Retargeting
Following up with all site visitors and token holders with personalized messaging based on their previous interactions.
Lookalike Audiences
Expanding reach by targeting users similar to crypto enthusiasts, Wrexham fans, and UFC followers who align with our rebel positioning.
Launch Budget
$500K+ allocated from sponsor pool for the 2026 launch campaign to coincide with World Cup excitement.
Public Positioning
Raw & Real
Not polished punditry - authentic passion and straight talk
System Challenger
Calling out FIFA, U.S. Soccer, MLS, and corporate control
Blue-Collar Values
Aligning with working-class America and traditional football culture
Controversy Embracer
Leveraging media feuds to drive virality and build trust
LinkedIn Growth Strategy
20M+
Current Impressions
Existing thought leadership reach
3x
Growth Target
Expansion goal for next 12 months
5
Weekly Posts
Consistent content schedule
25%
Engagement Rate
Target for posts exposing football issues
Regular posts exposing football greed and promoting NSL solutions build credibility with investors, sponsors, and influencers through authentic industry commentary.
SEO, Blog, and Organic Growth
Weekly Articles
Fresh content on NSL.com and FootballIsForTheFans.com
Football History
Deep dives into American soccer's forgotten legacy
Fan Ownership
Guides to community investment models
Industry Exposés
Articles on modern football corruption
Sponsorship Inventory
Kit Sponsorships
Prime placement on front, back, and shorts of authentic retro-styled uniforms with controlled aesthetic.
Broadcast Integration
In-match graphics, mic'd-up moments sponsored by brands, and team introduction packages.
Stadium Presence
LED boards, match naming rights, and physical activations that connect brands directly with passionate fans.
Licensing and Merchandising Rights
Centralized Control
League licenses all club IP for apparel, content, and promotions to maintain quality and consistency.
Retail Partnerships
Select partners can license retro kit reproductions and limited edition collections through official channels.
Global Distribution
International fan base monetized through official online store and local retail partnerships in key markets.
Stylo Matchmakers
Premium brand handles official kit production and limited editions with authentic retro styling and quality.
Club Kit Strategy
All clubs wear retro-inspired kits by Stylo Matchmakers featuring short shorts, small socks, bold colors, and old-school numbers. Our central design team ensures consistency while preserving each club's unique heritage.
Stylo Matchmakers Product Line
Classic Boots
Authentic reproductions of designs worn by legends like Pelé, George Best, and Trevor Francis with modern performance features.
Lifestyle Collection
Track jackets, scarves, hats, and accessories that bring classic football style into everyday fashion for the modern fan.
Limited Editions
Collaborations with influencers and cultural brands create exclusive drops and collector editions that sell out quickly.
Strategic Partnerships & Stadium LOIs
We've secured relationships with iconic venues across the country, with cities excited to host our low-cost, high-impact sports tours. These partnerships come with built-in support from local press and community leaders.
The Ultimate Footballer – Built in America
400 players housed at a world-class FIFA training base
AI + human scouting to uncover hidden gems
Eliminations, showdowns, personality-driven stories
Finalists win NSL contracts + ProFootballers listings
Players mic’d up. Everything streamed on FITF.com
Fans vote. Scouts watch. Lives change.
Erie Sports Center – Basecamp & Activation
NSL Training Base
Central facility for player development and team preparation
TV Studio
Production hub for "Ultimate Footballer" content series
400-Bed Facility
FIFA-listed training site with comprehensive amenities
Content Creation
Host for player combine and influencer content weekends
International Expansion Path
1
1
U.S. Launch
Establish proof of concept and media model
UK & Europe
Export format to football's traditional markets
LATAM
Tap into passionate football cultures
Asia
License model to trusted regional operators
2026 World Cup Alignment
Hype Leverage
Using World Cup excitement to amplify NSL launch and position as the authentic American soccer experience.
Watch Parties
Hosting events, meetups, and activations around World Cup host cities to build community and brand awareness.
International Outreach
Inviting global fans to experience American-style football culture during their World Cup visits.
Alternative Experience
Positioning NSL as the grassroots, fan-first alternative to the corporate World Cup atmosphere.
Road to IPO Strategy
1
Years 1-2
Build community, brand, and MVP platform with initial funding
2
Years 3-4
Scale clubs, player investment, reach breakeven at $40M revenue
3
Year 5
IPO-ready with $60M+ recurring revenue and proven model
4
Post-IPO
Fan-investors and cultural partners as anchor shareholders
Exit Strategies
IPO
$800M+ public valuation via media + fan ownership model
Acquisition
Purchase by major streaming or sports media platform
Token Liquidity
NSL Coin gains real utility and exchange tradability
Club Sales
Individual club sales at $60M valuation per team
Valuation Model
Our conservative 12x EBITDA model applied to $60M revenue yields a $720M valuation, enhanced by real estate holdings via REIT and intangible value in cultural IP, brand equity, and first-party data.
Cap Table Strategy
Our founder retains >50% post-seed, with advisors and legends offered equity for support. The pre-seed SAFE note at $5M cap ($500K raise) provides early entry, while fans, players, and sponsors are onboarded in future rounds.
Investor Onboarding Process
Fan Investors
Wefunder platform with $100 minimum investment to enable broad participation
Series A
Republic and SeedInvest platforms considered for larger funding round
Strategic Backers
Direct onboarding for high-net-worth and strategic investors
Materials
Deck, video pitch, and Super Bible serve as comprehensive documentation
Fundraising History & Plan - We don't need $40m on Day One - we build as we grow.
 
$500K
Pre-seed Target
Currently open for investment
$5M
Seed Round
Build full product, hire core team, produce events
$35M
Series A
Club expansion, media scale, token growth
IPO
Exit Goal
Public offering or strategic acquisition
Use of Funds Breakdown
You’ll need to allocate percentages or figures for pre-seed and seed rounds.
For $500K Pre-Seed:
$100K: Production of promo content, teaser trailers, early podcast/pilot
$150K: Platform development (ProFootballers MVP, NSLOfficial mockup)
$75K: Legal (trademarks, IP protection, club rights)
$50K: Strategic hires / advisors
$75K: City activation (pre-deals, influencer campaigns, event planning)
$50K: Marketing, PR, branding rollout
For $5M Seed:
$1.5M: League operations (NSL production, launch games)
$1M: Talent & player recruitment
$750K: Tech build + crypto integration
$500K: The Ultimate Footballer series + Erie facility launch
$500K: City partnerships, school programs, tourism coordination
$500K: Community events, grassroots outreach
$250K: Marketing / Paid media push
Join The Revolution - scott@nslofficial.com
Not Just A League
This is a movement to reclaim football for the fans
Fan Ownership
Be part of the generation that owns the game
Authentic Passion
Experience football as it was meant to be played
Join The NSL
Help us build football as it should be - FOR THE FANS