 |
|
|
|
[ PRINCIPALS ] |
|
|
Albert L. Colone, prior to forming Colone Associates, held the position of executive director of the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York from 1979 to 1997.
He pioneered efforts towards creating the definition and concept for the Hall and subsequently, helped found and establish the National Soccer Museum and its allied educational programs. Guided by Colone, the Hall secured all of its official authorities, including a charter through the New York State Department of Education, a 501[c]3 charitable tax status through the Federal Internal Revenue Service and formal sanction via the United States Soccer Federation.
Colone was most active and inspirational in the long range plan and early development of the Hall's Wright National Soccer Campus, that ultimately boasted a capital price tag of $22 million. Over $6 million in capital gifts and pledges and over $3 million in actual capital development were advanced under Colone's leadership.
He administered a full-time staff of six employees, three part-time staffers, student interns, hundreds of volunteers and seasonal staff, as well as assorted consultants and contractors periodically retained to support both operational and developmental objectives. An interim national soccer museum and exhibits originally opened to the public in 1982, then substantially expanded in 1987, dedicated to and featuring displays on the history of soccer/football in America.
The museum's archives contain the largest accumulation of soccer memorabilia and artifacts anywhere in the country.
In 1996, the museum, along with associated events and activities drew a public involvement of more than 50,000 people and an estimated travel revenue impact of between $3 to $5 million for Central New York State.
Prior to his years at the Hall, he founded and organized City of Oneonta adult recreational soccer programs and the Oneonta Mayor's Cup Collegiate Soccer Tournament, once considered the longest running NCAA Division I tournament in America.
|
| |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
