Ahead of the 2019 USL League Two season, the league has unveiled Dalton as its latest member. The team becomes the seventh club to join USL League Two and is an affiliate of USL League One Founding Member Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
Dalton will compete in the Deep South Division, which currently features seven additional clubs. The club has also announced that it will split hosting home matches in 2019 at Chattanooga Christian School’s Stanton Field and a venue in Dalton left to be determined.
“We’re extremely excited to see the continued growth in the greater Dalton/Chattanooga communities,” USL League Two Vice President Joel Nash said.
“Bob [Martino] has shown a true willingness to help develop soccer at all levels in the area, and we believe that great things will come from his latest endeavor in USL League Two.”
Owner Bob Martino has helped lead Dalton’s push towards joining League Two in 2019, and has provided a major lift in Tennessee’s soccer landscape with his role in guiding Chattanooga Red Wolves SC to USL League One. The direct affiliation with the Professional League One team is very beneficial for the Dalton League Two team.
Martino and Chattanooga currently have plans in place for a 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium that is expected to open ahead of the 2020 League One season.
“USL League Two defines the “Path2Pro,’” Martino said. “The transition from youth soccer to a professional career has been a route lacking a clear map and having league two teams connecting top youth on one side and professional soccer on the other provides a much needed conduit.”
According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, the addition of the League Two team is vital to the development and long-term success of building out a professional soccer organization.
“Identifying local talent and elevating players to the next level is something important to the overall vision of the Red Wolves Soccer Club,” said Hankinson. “A clear path for a professional playing career will now be a reality in our community.”
With its introduction ahead of the 2019 League Two season, Dalton joins previously announced Cedar Stars Rush, Discoveries SC, Florida Elite Soccer Academy, Green Bay, Park City and Wake FC.
The club will announce its logo, color scheme and further branding at a later date. Additional information regarding the League Two team to come, including coaching staff, location and player signings.
To stay up-to-date with Dalton, visit www.chattredwolves.com/dalton.