Tampa Bay Strikers Announce New Management Executive

Tampa, Florida – The Tampa Bay Strikers of the NISL have appointed veteran sports management and broadcasting executive Gary Tufford as the club’s General Manager. Tufford has been in sports management and entertainment with his Tampa based company, GT Sports Group, for over 25 years with a history in all levels of professional sports. He is also the executive producer at Sportsflix TV, a sports broadcasting and production company based in Florida. 

“It’s always exciting to start a new sports project, and especially here in the Bay area. With the rich history and diversity of sports in this area I am sure indoor soccer will be embraced by the fans and flourish for many years. The game has so much to offer and differs from the outdoor game enough that fans who may not be traditional soccer enthusiasts may find the best of all worlds at a Strikers game.” Tufford stated. 

Tufford will oversee all phases of the clubs business and day to day operations. Tufford has been in executive management in many leagues and clubs including the Arena Football League, East Coast Hockey League, and the Canadian Football League as well as positions with the Indoor Football League, American Indoor Football League, World Indoor Football League and Southern Indoor Football League. He is a former pro football player in the CFL, playing wide receiver with the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His broadcasting career has been highlighted in numerous roles with major network assignments and stations. He has also directed and produced many freelance productions and live events in North America for major clients. 

Striker’s managing partner and co-owner, Andrew Haines says he and Tufford have a long and successful history together over the years. “Gary and I have been through the trenches together in many sports, our ability to coordinate responsibilities with each other’s strengths has always been a successful formula for us. When I looked at bringing the team here to Tampa Bay, it was only natural that I bring him aboard to lead the Strikers operation”. 

The Strikers begin play in December, calling the Yuengling Center on the campus of USF, home for 10 home games with both Men’s and Women’s games being played in a double header format. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer kicker and soccer expert Martin Gramatica, is the Head Coach of the team. Season tickets are on sale now, go to https://www.tbstrikers.com  for more information. The Strikers will be hosting open tryouts this fall; players interested should submit their information here: https://www.tbstrikers.com/tryouts 

ABOUT NATIONAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (NISL): The National Indoor Soccer League was founded in January 2021 by a group of seasoned sports team/league owners with over 50 years of ownership experience. The league features both a Men's & Women's Division, competing in double header game days over a 20-game regular season that takes place between the months of December and April. Current teams include Central FL Crusaders (Orlando), Columbus Rapids (Georgia), Fayetteville Fury, Memphis Americans, Rome Gladiators (Georgia), and Tampa Bay Strikers. The NISL is committed to promoting and supporting our member teams, while providing an avenue for players, coaches, and front office staff to develop their skills and gain exposure for opportunities at higher levels, all while providing high-quality, affordable entertainment in the communities we serve.