TeamPlayr Spotlight: Brad Namdar, Texas Outlaws

We welcome back Brad Namdar in this TeamPlayr Spotlight, now the General Manager and Sporting Director of the Texas Outlaws. Last time we spoke, Brad was making waves at the Denton Diablos. His transition to the professional indoor soccer realm with the Outlaws marks a new chapter in his soccer saga.

Brad shares the distinct experiences transitioning from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) to the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). The change comes with a host of new responsibilities and challenges, from player management to rebranding the team. His narrative sheds light on the professional demands, the thrilling pace of indoor soccer, and the Texas Outlaws' commitment to community engagement.

Under Brad's leadership, the Texas Outlaws are not only honing their prowess in the arena but are also fostering local talents and building a rapport with the community. The team, though a fresh entrant in the league, is determined to create a distinctive identity and contribute significantly to the indoor soccer landscape.

Brad’s enthusiasm for his role and his vision for the Texas Outlaws reflect a promising trajectory for the team. As they gear up for an exciting season, the anticipation builds among fans and players alike.

Join us as we explore Brad’s journey, the Texas Outlaws' initiatives, and what makes indoor soccer a thrilling spectacle. Through Brad’s lens, we glimpse the future of the Texas Outlaws as they embrace challenges, celebrate soccer, and aim for noteworthy successes in the MASL.

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Last we spoke, you were running the show at the Denton Diablos - tell us about how your move came about?

Well, as you know, NPSL seasons aren't year-long, so the Denton Diablos season ended in June, and just like any player, coach, front office staff member, pending on performance, various opportunities can unveil themselves. I am proud of the multiple records I led during my time at the Diablos front office, from record-breaking numbers of sponsors and fan attendance records to community outreach. After the season, I was fortunate enough to have opportunities to move up on the soccer paradigm. However, I am and always will be a supporter and fan of the NPSL as a league.

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Any differences between the NPSL & MASL levels?

The NPSL & MASL have many differences. Professional soccer is a completely different atmosphere than NPSL, there are different expectations, pressures and responsibilities at the professional level.

The team that you work with often also dictates the differences you experience from one program to another.

For example, the differences and challenges a USL team may have versus a MLS team are completely different versus the differences with a NPSL or MASL team.

The MASL is also a professional soccer league which means it requires a different marketing approach, sponsorship approach, various resources, fan experience focuses, and as a MASL GM, managing a professional front office staff, interns, ambassadors, vendors, compliance with professional soccer league rules, working with players on salaries, working with our coaching staff, being involved many areas of the club, having trades, player combines, and so many other things make the NPSL and MASL very different.

A simple logistic example I can give you is when I had to oversee within my first week the team's rebranding from the Mesquite Outlaws to the Texas Outlaws. It may seem like it was a simple thing to do but people don't know the logistics that go into making a decision like that. With that decision you need all facets of a professional club working together in sync, from our marketing department, merchandise, changing uniform crests, marketing materials, signage, promotional materials, website domain, social media accounts, email addresses, informing stakeholders, and many other things. It was no simple or small transition, but it was the right one.

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Can you share some history of the Texas Outlaws? How and when did it all start?

Our foundation/inaugural season began in 2019, our team's potential and presence was made known to the MASL in 2022-2023, and in 2023 - 2024 the Texas Outlaws are ready to come back stronger.  But, when people ask me about the history of the Texas Outlaws, I speak about the history of the Texas Outlaws. The Texas Outlaws were born on August 22, 2023, when the Mesquite Outlaws F.C. became the Texas Outlaws F.C. competing in the topflight of professional indoor soccer in the world (MASL). The Texas Outlaws have multiple players representing the USA in various forms of soccer-specific competitions in various international tournaments. The Texas Outlaw players represent not only the great State of Texas, but many of our players also represent the USA on a consistent basis. We have players that have won a variety of international competitions, including the most recent USA vs. Mexico MASL match (USA 6 - Mexico 5), having three our players called up to the U.S. National Futsal Team Camp, and having players selected to represent the USA in the Mini-Football World Cup hosted in Dubai this upcoming November. The Texas Outlaws take tremendous pride in our roots in Mesquite, Texas, playing in an iconic venue like the Mesquite Arena, in a county that is known for soccer - Dallas County, and in a State that embraces its cultural diversity like we do in Texas.  

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What sets the Texas Outlaws apart from other professional indoor soccer teams?

In the professional soccer arena, a new franchise program and/or new team is often not supposed to win games or grow at the rates that the Outlaws have, and with the expectations I have for our program this year, we are going to turn some heads, to say the least. Many teams already have a long history in the league, they have a formula that they have used, grown, and had the advantage of being around for many years. We respect those clubs for creating the foundations for the league which we will always respect, honor, and appreciate. Though, the Texas Outlaws are different than any other indoor team in the following ways: 1) we have a legendary Head Coach, Tatu, and coaching staff; 2) we have some of the best players in the country that have represented the USA in multiple soccer specific competitions (even winning international tournaments in Europe); 3) we are a team that is exciting to watch and can create our own legacy every day. 4.) We have a passionate owner, and 5.) We have a new dynamic front office.

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How does being a part of the Texas Outlaws family impact the lives of the players both on and off the field?

Professional soccer players are regular people too - they have families, goals, dreams and responsibilities just like everyone else. As a GM and Sporting Director, I have to balance the business side of the club with the game of soccer, which can be difficult at times because it's a passionate game. Professional players who are younger have different journeys in their life and are at different stages in their lives than those who are maybe older with families or with other responsibilities. Everyone at the club is a person (not just a player), and everyone has different experiences, pressures, expectations both on and off the field. It should also be noted that the coaching staff and our front office staff also have to balance the demands of being a part of a professional soccer program. As the GM, I take the majority of that responsibility to ensure things run smoothly for everyone at the club on and off the field.

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What sort of community initiatives are the Texas Outlaws involved in?

Since I joined the club, we have been involved in many initiatives with many more coming soon. We attended the Dallas ISD first day of school, walked on the Garland Labor Day Parade, supported Women in Sports initiatives, and engaged with the Mesquite community at the Rodeo. We will be heavily involved in Hispanic Heritage month events, along with Dia de los Muertos celebrations, Breast Cancer Awareness events, and supporting various non-profit initiatives, school districts, soccer clubs, and other soccer associations/entities.

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Can you tell us about a recent event where the Texas Outlaws made a positive impact in the community?

We are members of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations. We have been attending events and doing community outreach in various cities in North Texas. Last month, our players welcomed back Dallas ISD students on their first day of school and you could really see the impact and engagement from the students with our Outlaws players. We also reach out to local small businesses, and our club has and will continue to support our domestic economy in North Texas and expand more and more in the State of Texas through our club's business operations.

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How are the Texas Outlaws fostering local talent and encouraging more people to take up the sport?

By inviting players to tryout, going out and engaging with different leagues, associations, clubs, coaches, and outreach efforts.

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How do you envision the role of the Texas Outlaws in the larger soccer landscape in the coming years?

There are no limitations to the role our club can play in the soccer landscape in the coming years. We have a good group of coaches, players, and have a very strong, supportive, and dedicated owner / ownership group. So, every day is a new day, and everyday can create a new opportunity.

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What's the vibe like at a Texas Outlaws game? What can fans expect when they come to watch a match?

I can only comment on what the vibe is going to be like while I am the GM of the Texas Outlaws. I will aim for our vibe at our games to be exciting, entertaining, and memorable.  We are going to have some fun and 'get it done' - we are going to play at the highest level, we are going to compete every second of the match, our fans are going to be proud of our performance on the field and be entertained during the matches. Lastly, we are Texas, and we are going to perform Texas style - which is big, bright, and with grit.

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Can you share a story or instance that embodies the spirit and camaraderie of the Texas Outlaws team?

I can say that the Texas Outlaws are a tight group of players that want to compete and win. That was demonstrated by the team's success last year when they went two rounds deep in the playoffs. We have players who want to win, want to be in the community, and want to be ambassadors of our club, grow the sport of indoor soccer, futsal, and take seriously representing the State of Texas in the MASL. Those values, in my mind, embody the spirit of the Texas Outlaws, and the culture I strive to bring to the club everyday.

What’s next on the horizon for the Texas Outlaws? Any exciting developments or community projects that fans can look forward to?

I can tell you that there are so many exciting things coming up that it would take me another 20 pages to write. I would encourage everyone to follow us on social media to keep up with our tryout dates, community engagement events and projects, and other exciting things we're doing in the community. I would also encourage everyone to go to our website www.texasoutlaws.com, buy tickets, grab some gear, come to our games, and see for yourselves -Texas' professional indoor soccer team, "Get After It."

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Thanks so much for joining us today, Brad! We look forward to the upcoming MASL. We'll be there cheering you on!

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Be on the look out for more opportunities to get to know the Texas Outlaws - in the meantime check out their website at www.texasoutlaws.com

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