While fans around the league are thrilled at the news that a new owner has stepped up to keep the Vancouver franchises alive for the long term, we were even more thrilled when last week new Whitecaps & Breakers owner Greg Kerfoot asked us if we would like to do a Q&A with him.
Not too tough to figure out our response to that one!
[a-league.com] - How did you become interested in the Whitecaps and Breakers?
[Greg Kerfoot] - I was asked by a friend who knew I was a community minded sports enthusiast to look at helping to keep the clubs alive. I had been aware of the situation but assumed, like most people, that great teams like the Whitecaps and Breakers would find new owners easily. My friend persuaded me that the teams were more likely going to fold if someone didn't step in. The reason I decided to go ahead is because I think Vancouver should have top flight soccer. I think it is good for the community, good for kids and good for players who need that next development level.
[a-league.com] - Have you been a follower of the Whitecaps and Breakers as a fan?
[Greg Kerfoot] - Yes, I have been a follower/fan.
[a-league.com] - What do you think you could bring to the Whitecaps and Breakers that could bring more fans to the matches, and successful teams on the pitch?
[Greg Kerfoot] - Right now, I am not sure I have spent enough time to be able to understand what the issues are. I am frankly surprised that the teams don't get more support but I am not sure why this is the case given what a great soccer area this is. What I will hopefully bring is experience in running small and large businesses. We have been fortunate to be very successful at Crystal and I hope some of the things that worked there will help us succeed with the Whitecaps and Breakers.
[a-league.com] - What do you see for the Whitecaps and Breakers for the long term? A Canadian league, or MLS/WUSA membership?
[Greg Kerfoot] - I am probably not the right person to ask but you did so here goes. I think the MLS/WUSA are making an incredible investment in and contribution to soccer in NA and I applaud them for it. However, I really don't see the Whitecaps playing there in the next few years. We are currently averaging around 3500 fans per game which isn't a bad place to grow from but it sure isn't going to support a franchise fee in the tens of millions. Even if we can get to Rochester levels of attendance it would be pretty tough to make those numbers work.
[a-league.com] - How will you restore the faith of the Vancouver fans in the organization?
[Greg Kerfoot] - I am sure that with some fans we will need to earn that faith. We will work very hard to do that and I think it will come over time. For a great many fans I think that their faith was never really shaken and we intend to honour that commitment by making the clubs successful on the field and financially.
[a-league.com] - What do you think of the situation you've been left with in Vancouver after previous ownership?
[Greg Kerfoot] - I think there is plenty to build on. I think all of the former owners have had similar goals - to build a strong, financially stable soccer powerhouse in Vancouver. The work that they have done in the past leaves us with a great foundation. There are plenty of Whitecaps fans in Vancouver and BC and we need to get them into the park. We have two excellent teams, a good venue and a long history of success on the pitch. That's a pretty good place to start. I am hoping that all of the fans who have been wondering how they can support the teams will realize that the best thing they can do is buy season tickets. A strong seasons ticket base is the single most important piece in this puzzle and we will be working hard to grow the existing base.
[a-league.com] - How aware are you of the rivalry with Seattle and Portland from back in the NASL days?
[Greg Kerfoot] - I remember the rivalry.
[a-league.com] - Since Paul Allen has long been rumored to be interested in a Seattle MLS franchise and now you've bought into the Whitecaps will we see a rash of
people involved in the tech industry getting involved with soccer?
[Greg Kerfoot] - I doubt this is a trend. I think our two situations are quite different. I got involved because the team needed the support. I think Paul is rumoured to be getting involved partly because his group controls the stadium and the Sounders were part of the package to get approval for it to be built. There is some potential synergy there. He also fits the MLS target profile - billionaire.
[a-league.com] - Which city really is better, Vancouver or Seattle?
[Greg Kerfoot] - Two of the best cities in the world but of course, when it comes right down to it, Vancouver is better.
[a-league.com] - How are things going in your relationship with Bobby Lenarduzzi? What has he been doing to drum up support for the Whitecaps again?
[Greg Kerfoot] - You'll have to ask Bobby to get his perspective but as far as I am concerned I think it is going great. We haven't been working together for very long but he seems like a quality guy with high integrity. On what he has been doing prior to the past few weeks you will need to ask him. I can tell you that I have thanked him privately and publicly for stepping back in to manage the clubs for free last year. That was a big commitment for anyone to make so I guess my answer would be that he has been doing more than his fair share.
