FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 29, 2008

WEST CHESTER, PA – Matt Driver, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Liberty Women's Soccer team, is pleased to announce that the Liberty will be playing out of West Chester University this summer.  With this new home, the Liberty will be teaming up with West Chester United Soccer Club (WCUSC) and other southeastern Pennsylvania youth soccer clubs to create a true home team feel.  The Philadelphia Liberty will be playing at West Chester University's John A. Farrell Stadium, a 7,500 seat stadium with a state-of-the-art FieldTurf playing surface.

The Philadelphia Liberty also announces the appointment of new head coach Kendall Walkes.  In addition to his role as head coach of the West Chester University Men's Soccer team, currently entering his 18^th season with the program, Walkes has played a pivotal role in the development of soccer in southeastern Pennsylvania, at both the collegiate and youth level.  "My objective is the same as every other WPSL team, to win a championship," said Walkes.  "In the process I want the players to grow as individuals; have a professional approach to the game; manage their lives in accordance to becoming ambassadors of the game; and outwork our opponents."

"The signing of Kendall Walkes is a huge step in the right direction for the Liberty in 2008," said Driver who was a former coach with the New England Revolution (MLS), "as this insures that the team will be well organized on the field. We felt if we are going to make the best impact possible for the area with the Philadelphia Liberty that we needed to get a coach who is steeped in a tradition of not only success but professionalism and coach Walkes exemplifies that mold."

Coach Walkes will be supported by Steven Fraser who brings continuity to the coaching staff, having been the goalkeeper coach for the 2007 Philadelphia Liberty.  In addition to training the team's goalkeepers, Fraser has been named as the team's assistant coach.  "Our inaugural season last year saw us lay an excellent foundation to build upon for this coming 2008 season," said Fraser.  "We were able to attract top class players last year and it will be the case again this year, in fact I suspect even more quality players will be looking to tryout this year."

The Philadelphia Liberty will have a new front office in 2008 as Damon Nolan will oversee the team management.  Nolan brings a wealth of knowledge having run a successful soccer organization, West Chester United Soccer Club (WCUSC), for the past six years.  "In addition to providing opportunities for women and older youth players to participate in high level soccer over the summer months, it is our goal to promote the stature of female athletes as positive role models for the youth in West Chester and the surrounding community," said Nolan. "We will create a fan-friendly environment at the Philadelphia Liberty home games with affordable, quality family entertainment."  Nolan will be assisted by Carrie Martin who will handle the team's marketing and community partnership programs.

"I am extremely excited about the relationship we have established with WCUSC," said Driver, "through working with Damon Nolan and Carrie Martin, I have found a partner where the philosophy of their youth club and my own are the same.  With the team administrative duties falling on their shoulders, we feel very comfortable that the team will be well organized off the field."

The Philadelphia Liberty's 2008 WPSL 12 game regular season kicks-off on Saturday, May 18^th at the AC Diablos (NJ).  The team's first home game will be on Saturday, May 24^th against the CDSA Futures (DE).  The season continues through the end of July with home and away games against other WPSL Mid-Atlantic Division teams including the 2006 WPSL Champion Long Island Fury (NY), Lancaster Inferno (PA), Millburn Magic (NJ), and Northampton Laurels (PA).

Tryouts for the 2008 Philadelphia Liberty will be held on the following dates:

• Sunday - March 9, 2008 (3:00 to 5:00 PM) @ West Chester Rustin High School Turf Field
• Saturday - March 22, 2008 (9:00 to 11:00 AM) @ WCUSC Delacy Soccer Complex
• Sunday - April 27, 2008 (4:30 to 6:30 PM) @ WCUSC Delacy Soccer Complex

Interested players should attend one of the March tryouts.  The April tryout date will be used for invitation only.  For directions to the fields and to request a tryout register form, contact Damon Nolan at dnolan@wcusc.org or 610-399-5277 (ext. 7).  Any players that can not attend the March tryouts should send their playing resume to Damon Nolan with two references to be considered for the 2008 team roster.  Additional information on the Philadelphia Liberty is available at www.philadelphialiberty.com.