August 2, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Norfolk, VA – The United States Collegiate Athletic Association is moving its league office, headquartered for the past ten years in Newport News, to Norfolk, VA. The national association, dedicated to providing opportunities for small colleges to compete for National Championships and student-athlete recognition will move downtown into the Town Point Center Building on Boush Street, effective August 1.
In April of this year, USCAA Executive Director Matthew Simms started exploring opportunities for the association to find a new home, seeking strategic opportunities following a long time relationship with the Old Dominion University graduate sports management program and the more recent announcement that the association will host their soccer, volleyball, and cross country championships in Virginia Beach for the next three years.
“The move to Norfolk is a culmination of a strong working relationship with Old Dominion University, the Norfolk Economic Development Council and Hampton Roads Sports Commission,” states Simms. “The move to a first class office space in downtown Norfolk makes us more attractive to prospective employees, graduate students and interns, provides proximity to major highways and airports, and gives us a perception of quality that we haven’t had in headquarters in the association’s history.”
Though the organization only has four full-time employees, two contracted employees, and a handful of graduate assistants and interns, the potential economic impact to Norfolk and surrounding Hampton Roads’ cities extends far beyond their own labor force. The association hosts thirteen national tournaments and conventions that have a collective direct spend of 1.5 million dollars and an economic impact much more significant. The Fall Championship Week, which moves to Virginia Beach in November of this year will bring almost 1,400 participants and an economic impact of approximately $700,000.00 to local hotels and area restaurants.
The USCAA has seen phenomenal growth over the last decade. As a fledgling organization in 2005, operations of the national office began at the Apprentice School in Newport News, under the direction of former Builder athletic director Bill Casto and Simms, who was completing his education at Old Dominion. Since then, the association has grown from 42 members to almost 90 and has introduced two new championships in that timespan. Simms states, “The future is bright for this organization. We have a niche service that allows small colleges the same opportunities afforded to NCAA institutions across the country. As the organization that levels the playing field for small colleges, we are proud to take the next step in our growth and development with the city of Norfolk and our many partners in the community.”