“I have known Niki for several years and am delighted that we have been able to recruit someone with his broad and diverse background in the game,” said Rawlins. “He has a good eye for a player, is a seasoned recruiter of talent and an experienced administrator. I am looking forward to him making an immediate positive impact on our soccer operations.”
“I’m excited to be joining Orlando City at such an important time in the Club’s history,” added Budalic. “I look forward to working with Phil, Adrian and the entire technical staff as we identify, recruit and develop the best talent to further our Club’s success.”
A former professional player for various clubs in North America and Europe, such as FK Haugesund in Norway, Montreal Impact and Toronto Lynx in Canada, Budalic’s vast soccer background extends off the pitch, working as a soccer professional in scouting, recruitment, player representation, consulting and coaching for both men’s and women’s soccer.
Budalic, who obtains a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, has also gained tremendous experience working with prominent high-profile clubs, including Newcastle United, Everton Football Club, West Ham United, River Plate, Independiente and Pachuca.
The 37-year-old Ontario, Canada, native most recently served as the Director of Soccer Operations for Premier Development League (PDL) side Kitchener-Waterloo United FC, who won the 2015 National Championship.
For more information on the 2017 season ticket waitlist visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY.
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About Orlando City Soccer Club:
With three major professional teams, Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) has established itself as one of the preeminent Clubs in professional soccer.
One of the leading teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), and the most-searched team in 2015 MLS team in 2015 according to Google, the Lions have developed a rich history and passionate following since starting in the USL in 2011. In their inaugural MLS season, Orlando City set a league attendance record for an expansion team, drawing an average of 32,847 fans per home game – including 62,500 in the home opener – and became the fastest team in MLS history to host a half million fans. Orlando City has not only captured the passion of soccer fans in the City Beautiful, it continues to build its global brand as its matches are broadcast in 140 countries and in 30 languages.
The Orlando Pride, OCSC’s National Women’s Soccer League franchise, will begin league play in 2016 – bringing professional women’s soccer to Orlando for the first time. The team is led by renowned Head Coach Tom Sermanni, former manager for the Australian and U.S. women’s national teams.
Orlando City B (OCB) participates in the USL beginning in the 2016 season. The team plays its home matches at Titan Soccer Complex on the campus of Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Fla. OCB continues the Club’s rich history in the rapidly growing league. From 2011 to 2014, Orlando City set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 USL matches (66-12-22), winning three regular season titles and two postseason championships.
OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS). Lastly, the Orlando City Foundation is active in the community year round, promoting health and wellness in children throughout the region, and raising funds for and volunteering time for various local organizations.
For more information, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com, www.Orlando-Pride.com, www.OrlandoCityB.com, www.OrlandoCityYouth.org andwww.OrlandoCitySC.com/Foundation.com.