TAMPA, Fla. – The 2013 United Soccer Leagues Annual General Meeting (AGM) got underway Wednesday with new franchise orientation and ramps up Thursday and Friday as USL’s more than 110 franchises and partners travel to Clearwater Beach, Florida for the annual event.

The USL AGM is a celebration of a year of accomplishments and professional growth as well as an important working and educational weekend. Held at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, the event draws owners, executives and coaches from USL’s professional and amateur teams, as well as influential figures from national and international soccer organizations.

This year’s annual gathering will feature operational, educational and scheduling meetings and annual team and executive awards presentations at the USL Hall of Fame Awards Dinner. For the third consecutive year the USL AGM will run in conjunction with USL’s Major Beach Soccer National Championships, presented by Nike, which will be held on Clearwater Beach Saturday and Sunday.

“The AGM is a crucial time for the success of our leagues, and the work that’s done this week will set the tone for the 2014 season and beyond,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Just as importantly, this is a chance for us to spend time with the executives and coaches who make USL a success, and listen to their ideas about the future growth and advancement of the leagues.”

The 2013 USL AGM will include individual league meetings and seminars related to player registration, broadcast operations, international affiliations, marketing and communications, and social media, among other topics.

The annual USL Hall of Fame Awards Dinner concludes Friday’s festivities as the teams gather to honor the teams and executives for their performances during 2013 and the induction ceremony for the USL Hall of Fame. The AGM continues Saturday with continued league meetings and scheduling, and closes Sunday morning.