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Horseback riders, mountain bikers, and trail runners teamed up Saturday, November 5, to compete in the inaugural Treadhoofalon — a triathlon-style event that is the first known of its kind in the United States. The event showcased the successful collaborative efforts of the Back Country Horsemen of American McClellan Chapter, the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association, and the Anniston Runners Club Trail Running Division, including volunteers, spectators, and race participants from each organization. Event creators and organizers, Lain and Julie Hawk, prepped each group on what to expect for their section of the course, before they tagged off with their teammates. Horseback riders kicked off the race at 8 AM, one-by-one in 30-second intervals, who then tagged off to the mountain bikers, who then tagged off to the trail runners. The team with the shortest combined time at 2:15:03s consisted of horseback rider Lisa Henson, mountain biker Wes Hodge, and trail runner Hayley Long. All finishers received a Treadhoofalon medal, and the members of the top three teams received custom, hand-made trophies featuring a bike gear and horseshoe on a wooden foot sole. In total, the Treadhoofalon welcomed 41 participants across Alabama and Georgia, divided into 9 competitive teams and 5 just-for-fun teams. The event ended with fellowship and lunch provided by the BCHA, and attendees sharing in the Hawks’ excitement for next year!

Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority, met with Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowles and Captain Justin Sanford on Thursday, October 20 to finalize the purchase of four live-monitoring police cameras and three years’ worth of network cards for $36,942.76, which the MDA Board approved on Sept. 28. The four cameras will be placed around McClellan in strategic locations within the next 6 months and assist Anniston Police Department with protecting the citizens and property at McClellan. Moss attended the State of Law Enforcement seminar hosted by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce on April 1, 2022, which invited law enforcement agencies from across the county to speak about issues and trends facing the police force. During the event, Moss noted Anniston Police Department’s need for officers, and discussed with Chief Bowles about the possibility of cameras being set up around McClellan to assist their department. “The cameras are a good deterrent — [they] let people know the police department cares about the community and wants to make everybody feel safe,” said Chief Bowles, “It’s a witness that’s always there and never calls in sick.” Chief Bowles directed Moss to Captain Sanford of Anniston Police Department’s Special Operations Division, who explained all the specifications, operations, and requirements of the police cameras. With assistance from Captain Sanford and APD staff, Moss determined the best locations for the cameras around McClellan. “I appreciate Captain Sanford and the Anniston Police Department for educating me about these cameras and guiding me throughout the process,” said Moss. “I am pleased the McClellan Development Authority is taking advantage of this opportunity to assist our officers and the City of Anniston with keeping our community safe.” “We really appreciate having the funding to do this because anytime we…have more assets out there, obviously that’s better protection and better coverage,” said Captain Sanford. “[These] relationships help us allocate our resources — so it’s a huge help.”

Creedmoor® Sports recently purchased, from the McClellan Development Authority (MDA), more than 30 acres on the grounds of historic Fort McClellan. The land acquisition includes four acres immediately adjacent to the company’s current facility and is dedicated to supporting future expansion. “I am truly thrilled that our company is experiencing success and growth right here in Anniston, on historic Fort McClellan,” said Greg Kantorovich, CEO of Creedmoor Sports. “Many of our core customers are active duty, reserve, or retired military. They appreciate the history, they appreciate where we are, and that helps create a bond. Having the support of the MDA in this expansion project is truly invaluable. We are very grateful for their support, support which will ultimately allow us to better serve our customers,” added Kantorovich. Since relocating to Alabama in 2013, Creedmoor Sports has enjoyed a period of strong business growth. The company has recently become more vertically integrated by expanding its in-house manufacturing capabilities. This additional acreage will support a larger campus and will provide the infrastructure for further expansion in the areas of manufacturing, product development, and retail distribution operations. Established to ensure the future of what was once Fort McClellan, the McClellan Development Authority strives to create a mixed-use community including commercial, industrial, residential, educational, and research-based development. “The staff and board members of the McClellan Development Authority have made it clear how much they value the businesses here at McClellan and have been very supportive as we plan for the future of our organization,” said John Teachey, VP of Operations and Marketing. “Continuing to provide best-in-class customer service and delivering the products our customers want requires expansion and keeping us grounded here on McClellan has always been our top priority,” added Teachey. “Creedmoor Sports has always been a highly respected member of the McClellan business community and a prominent figure in the precision rifle shooting community,” said Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority. “Their representatives/staff have been a pleasure to work with throughout the planning and proposal process, and we share their excitement in bringing this landmark company headquarters expansion to McClellan,” added Moss. About Creedmoor Sports, Inc. As a leading supplier in precision shooting sports since 1979, Creedmoor Sports designs, manufactures, and supplies the precision shooter with the gear needed to achieve their personal shooting goals. We manufacture only the best products to give the dedicated shooter the confidence needed to win at every level of competition. Known for best-in-class personal service, at Creedmoor Sports, we don’t have customers…we have friends. Contact: Wayne Dayberry, Director of Marketing wayne@creedmoorsports.com 1-800-273-3366 167 Creedmoor Way, Anniston, AL 36205 Creedmoorsports.com

Dirty Soles Trail Races is returning to McClellan on October 8, 2022 to host the first trail race at Lake Yahou Park using McClellan’s 17 miles of multi-use trails. In March 2022, Dirty Soles chose McClellan to host their very first trail race, McClellan Madness, a 4- to 8-hour endurance race that welcomed more than 70 trail runners from all over the southeast United States to Anniston, Alabama. “The trails at McClellan are non-technical [so] they’re really runnable,” said Becki Jones, founder and director of Dirty Soles Trail Races, adding that McClellan has been great at supporting her vision to bring more trail races to Calhoun County. “It’s a very cohesive relationship…because [McClellan] wants to help advertise my races and I’m helping advertise the trails.” After the success of McClellan Madness, Jones was eager to use McClellan’s multi-use trails again. When she learned that Lake Yahou would be opening in May along with a Phase 3 portion of the trails, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to round out Dirty Soles’ race schedule. “I want to host four races in a year and needed a fourth one…so when the lake opened, I started planning. It just so happened that if [we] started at the lake and did three loops around the outside trails, that it is almost a 50k—so it ended up pretty perfect.” The Lake Yahou 50k will offer two routes for both new and seasoned runners: a 10-mile race with one loop around the trails and a full 50k race with three loops around the trails. Both distances will start and finish at the Lake Yahou Park trailhead, where there will be music, beverages, and food (with vegan-friendly options) awaiting runners as they cross the finish line. Jones assured, “My races are good for any level of athlete. Anyone with any experience can come out and have fun and just enjoy themselves. [Trail running] is just one big community—everyone is friendly and wants to help each other.” Registration is $75 for the 50k and $45 for the 10-miler. The money will be used to cover the costs of the race plus a donation to the McClellan Development Authority. “Every race, I give to somebody,” Jones said. “In [McClellan Madness], I gave to McClellan to help maintain the trails. I don’t do it to make money.” Despite Dirty Soles Trail Races being less than a year old, Jones has high hopes that her events will continue to grow and draw attention to the McClellan Trails. “If I can get this going yearly, I think it’ll be a huge event to draw a lot of people from out of state,” Jones said. “[Besides the Pinhoti], there’s no other trail races going on in Calhoun County, so I think it’s going to bring a lot more runners out here.” The deadline to register for the Lake Yahou 50k is October 3, 2022. Participants can pick up their registration packets at Mellow Mushroom in Oxford on Friday, October 7 from 4-7 PM, or at Lake Yahou Park on October 8 from 6:45-7:45 AM. Read more about this event by visiting Dirty Soles’s Facebook page or visiting the registration page on UltraSignup.

Mountain bikers, trail runners, and horseback riders will unite in a triathlon-style race at Camp McClellan Horse Trails on November 5th, 2022. This first-of-its-kind event, dubbed “Treadhoofalon,” is being jointly hosted and organized by the Back Country Horseman of America McClellan Chapter, Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association, and Anniston Runners Club Trail Running Division. The event welcomes anyone from the serious competitor to the casual participant, featuring approximately three miles of horseback riding, eight miles of mountain biking, and four miles of trail running. Lain Hawk, who spearheaded the concept for the event alongside his wife Julie, said, “[Julie and I] both ride horses, bike, and enjoy hiking all over the country and wanted to showcase the wonderful trails we have in our backyard here at McClellan. With an event this unique, we hope to have it grow in years to come and make McClellan a destination.” The race will begin with horseback riding promptly at 8 a.m., then mountain biking at approximately 9 a.m., and trail running at approximately 10 a.m., depending on how quickly each teammate completes their section. Participants in the biking and running sections of the race should be prepared to start ahead of these approximations, in case their teammates are faster than anticipated. Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority, said, “This is such a unique event and I look forward to seeing all the trail groups coming together and enjoying the beautiful trails at McClellan.” For $45, individuals can participate in one, two, or all three disciplines and be assigned teammates as needed; OR groups of three can register as a team for $100. All registrants will receive a Treadhoofalon t-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and a cookout lunch! The event is free for spectators, and non-competing attendees can purchase a $10 meal ticket the day of the event. Chad Jones, Chairman of the Back Country Horseman of America McClellan Chapter added, “[Our] hope is that the Treadhoofalon will be a great success for Anniston and will draw people from all over to come and experience the fun and create an economic impact. We invite spectators to come and watch the event and help grow [it] into an event that gets larger each year.” There is a limit of 50 participants per discipline, so register online now before the slots are full: https://rb.gy/auh4si! Treadhoofalon FAQs Download Press Release Download

One month after the original grand opening ceremony was cancelled due to inclement weather, Lake Yahou Park was finally inaugurated as a redeveloped site by McClellan Development Authority, the City of Anniston, and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the park on June 23, 2022. The ceremony featured prominent local leaders, including Jack Draper, Mayor of Anniston; Steven Folks, Anniston City Manager; Don Killingsworth, Jr., Chairman of Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce; Terry Smiley, Vice President of Alabama Power Eastern Division; Jay Jenkins, Anniston Councilman; Ciera Smith, Anniston Councilwoman; Millie Harris, Anniston Councilwoman; and Danny Shears, Calhoun County Commissioner. In her opening remarks, MDA Director Julie Moss thanked several people and organizations for their help in restoring Lake Yahou Park: Former MDA Property Manager Van Roberts, Former MDA Board Member Bill Robinson, MDA Board Member Freeman Fite, Terraworks Tree & Land Services, Woodard Brothers Grading, FlowMotion Trail Builders, Gate Builders, I Need A Sign, and the MDA staff and maintenance crew. Although the ribbon cutting was postponed, the MDA began selling fishing licenses for Lake Yahou Park, as scheduled, on May 23, 2022. To date, over 400 fishing licenses have been sold! Those who still need a fishing license can visit the MDA office at 4875 Bains Gap Rd, Anniston, AL during office hours Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. They are $5 cash only and require a valid driver’s license. Lake Yahou Park is located just off the HWY 431 Anniston Eastern Bypass onto Iron Mountain Rd. Visitors can also find it on Google Maps. To learn more about Lake Yahou Park, view our digital brochure below.

APPLY NOW! About the Job The Ground Crew position is full time. The ground crew member works under the direct supervision of the Director. This person performs manual work including grounds upkeep, maintenance and improvements and will assist with more involved task and projects on the property. The person in this position will be expected to follow directions, work independently, as well as, with a team and focus on the details. Ideal candidate is versed in the basic methods and practices of building and ground/landscaping maintenance and repair. Duties and Responsibilities Operates tractor, back hoe, lawn mowers, weed eaters and trimmers for various ground maintenance activities. Assists in the performance of minor repairs and routine maintenance on trucks, tractors, motorized machinery and attachments. Uses a variety of equipment, hand tools and power tools to perform assigned duties. Drives MDA vehicles for hauling tools, fuel, utility trailer and other equipment to job site. Assists with maintenance and cleaning tasks performed on all vehicles, equipment and maintenance shop. Ensures regularly scheduled preventive maintenance tasks are performed on all vehicles and equipment. Immediately reports any problems with vehicles or equipment. Performs minor building repairs and maintenance on MDA buildings. Loads, unloads and moves supplies, materials and equipment to and from work sites. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Any item with an asterisk will be taught on the job) Ability to communicate with supervisor and co-workers. Ability to follow instructions. Skill to read and understand operator manuals, directives, procedures and instructions. Ability to follow verbal instructions. Skill to operate and do light maintenance on trucks and tractors. Working knowledge of safety rules including accident prevention.* Working knowledge of first-aid procedures.* Requirements: Must be able to perform all essential job functions. Must have and maintain a valid Alabama driver’s license with acceptable driving record. Must be able to work Monday – Friday from 7:30 am until 3:30 pm Willing to be prompt and prepared to work. Willing to work overtime and weekends in emergencies. Willing to comply with the following dress standards: neat personnel appearance with appropriate foot, head and hand gear. Clothing must be clean, without tears or holes. Physical Requirements Must be able to perform strenuous tasks requiring strength and coordination. Must have the vision, hearing, ability and dexterity necessary to operate motorize vehicles, equipment, tools and power tools. Must be able to bend, talk, walk, hear, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift and move heavy objects. Must have the dexterity to sufficiently operate levers, gears, etc. Must have required body mobility to climb on top of and crawl under various types of equipment. Work Environment The work involves moderate risks or discomfort which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors in various climatic conditions, working in areas with a variety of wildlife; working around moving parts, carts or machines; working with various saws, blades and power tools and working on ladders to make repairs. Experience Five (5) years of experience in grounds keeping and maintenance is preferred. Salary / Benefits Salary Based on Experience 13 Paid Holidays 20 Days PTO How to Apply Apply in person between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday or email your application to info@exploremcclellan.com McClellan Development Authority 4975 Bains Gap Road, Anniston, AL 36205 Last day to apply is Friday, July 15, 2022 Click below for copy of the application. APPLY NOW! #groundscrew #hiring #jobopening

The McClellan Development Authority will be opening Lake Yahou Park, the newest redeveloped outdoor feature on our campus, on May 23rd, 2022 at 10 AM as part of a grand opening ceremony for the community. All are invited to attend and there is no charge for the event. The 8-acre freshwater lake and surrounding forested land, which have not been used recreationally since 1999, will now feature a peaceful half-mile walking trail, scenic 18-mile multi-use trail, rustic picnic area and bench seating by the lake. Stocked with hundreds of large mouth bass, copperhead bluegills, and fathead minnows, Lake Yahou offers catch-and-release fishing with a $5.00 MDA fishing license. These can be purchased at the MDA office Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Attendees to the ribbon cutting ceremony can purchase their license on-site at Lake Yahou Park. Exact change is preferred. Though swimming is not allowed, visitors can experience the lake in their own non-motorized boat, e.g., kayak, canoe, pedal boat, etc. Park visitors are also welcomed to bring their dogs, which must remain on a leash. Pet waste stations are available around the park. Lake Yahou Park has seasonal hours, which are 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM from April to September, and 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October to March. Please review the document below for a complete list of operations, procedures, rules, and regulations. Adventure awaits!

This Request for Proposal is for the purchase and development of housing in a residential section of McClellan property that lies between Coxwell Avenue and Ossington Avenue. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, November 12, 2021 by 4:00 p.m. CST. The goal of the MDA is to select a respondent within 30 days of Proposal submissions, with a contract following within 60 days. Redevelopment activity must begin within six months of the contract date. Please call the Director at 256-236-2011 or send an email to jmoss@exporemcclellan.com to request a copy of the RFP.

The McClellan Development Authority (MDA) was selected to host next year’s Alabama Cycling Association (ACA) State Championship Race on May 7-8, 2022 at the McClellan Bike Trails. Phase I of the McClellan trail system was specific designed for ACA races and the first in the state of Alabama. It has been the MDA and the biking community’s hope that the State Championship would land on these trails. After two years of regular season races all the hard work seems to have paid off. The local teams Cheaha, Donoho, Jacksonville and Oxford call this trail home and are excited to have the Championship here is Anniston, AL at McClellan. “The MDA is excited about hosting the ACA Alabama State Championship at the McClellan Bike Trails,” said Julie Moss the Director of the MDA. “It has been the goal to have a venue and trails that would accommodate all the elements needed to hold the State Championship. With our strong partnership with the City of Anniston, Anniston Park and Recreation Department and Jacksonville State University our goal has humbly been achieved.” ACA 2022 Race Schedule: 2/26-2/27 TT- Munny Sokol Park, Tuscaloosa, AL 3/12-3/13 Race 1- Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden, AL 3/26-3/27 Race 2- Tannehill State Historical Park, McCalla, AL 4/9-4/10 Race 3- Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL 4/23-4/24 Race 4- John Hunt Park, Hunstville, AL 5/7-5/8 Championship- McClellan Bike Trails, Anniston, AL “The Alabama League is tremendously thankful for all the hard work and support from the MDA, NEABA and other partners. We are excited to be coming back to McClellan for our championship event in the spring of 2022”, said Adam Crews the Alabama League Director. Phase I of the trails are ideal for someone that is new to mountain bike riding with smooth climbs and fast smooth descents while Phase II provides the next level full of fast descents, rugged terrain and climbs to beautiful views. With the construction of Phase III it will provide steeper tread grades, technical trail features with longer sustained climbs and descents. Expected completion of these additional 7 miles is this fall. MDA is also happy to report the creation of a sponsorship with North East Alabama Bike Association (NEABA). Their members will be volunteering to taking care of the maintenance and clean-up of the McClellan Bike Trails. People will still notify the MDA of any down trees or issues and then NEABA will be given the details to address the situation.

Walking through the quaint brick downtown of Anniston, Alabama, one could be excused for slipping back into another era of Main Street, USA. A small city with a daytime population just over 37,000, Anniston almost seems poised for larger things. Just as modern structures tower over the turn of the century brick, the Anniston Airport lies waiting in the wings as well. “Honestly, we’re dealing with a huge airport infrastructure that’s treated as a general aviation airport,” reports David Arnett, Public Works Director/Airport Manager. “We have over 600 acres of land left to develop and I would like to get the fullest use out of our 139 certification as possible. And whatever it takes to get there is what we want to do. There is just so much potential there.” A Part 139 Airport certification allows for use by larger seat capacity air carriers. Anniston Airport has what it takes to bring in larger commercial flights. Conveniently located near Interstate 20, highways 431, 21, and 78, the Anniston Regional Airport is just 80 miles north of Montgomery, 55 miles east of Birmingham, and 80 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. With an asphalt runway 7,002 feet by 150 feet and over 500,000 square feet of paved apron and seal–coated tile ramp, this facility accommodates dual wheel aircraft up to 500,000 pounds. Toby Bennington, City of Anniston Director of Economic Development & City Planning, shares, “Anniston is the county seat for Calhoun County and the center for banking and the hospital and other activities. But there is an elevated level, a higher sense of purpose for the airport that relates to a broader regional economic development. Having a general aviation airport is a catalyst for building your marketing tool for business and industry. For example, it serves as an airport that provides a lot of freight delivery for Honda and other industries in the area. That is a great marketing tool when you’re talking to industrial prospects and you’re focused on the airport as an asset: what that service could be to either an existing industry that wants to expand or a new industry that is looking at the area; and the proximity and the easy access to the airport of what that freight shipment and delivery can provide to all industries in the area.” There are also businesses and industries located to the south of Anniston, particularly in the rural counties and in Ashland, Alabama and Talladega. Anniston Regional serves the same purpose for them – a GA airport in close proximity that they can utilize for freight purposes. Many of these companies are tied to head offices and industry offices from out of state. Whether it be in the Midwest, the north, or out west, it provides an opportunity for their business associates and clients, marketing departments, other connections in the industries to fly their corporate jets in and out of Anniston Regional Airport, as opposed to going to Atlanta or Birmingham. Bennington notes, “Having that access is key because a lot of industries have their corporate teams utilizing their company aircraft. With the pandemic, a lot of that is not being practiced – although, there is a lot of charter activity – but that is something that will come back into play as we move away from COVID–19.” The other aspect of the airport being a catalyst for economic development is the ability to have a quick turnaround in terms of commercial development – site locators, tenant reps – people who might be considering a site for a national chain grocery store or a series of restaurants, and other sundry type stores. According to Bennington, “It’s another means of convenience. Time saving is very important in marketing of economic development sites. There are times when a tenant rep or a leasing agent are looking at five or six cities in the course of a day or two. Using our airport means they don’t have to fly into Atlanta or Birmingham and then drive in a rental car or be chauffer driven to Anniston to look at sites. It’s about time saving and that’s critical. It’s a strong facet in the marketing of properties and the region, when you have people coming from all parts of the country looking at sites.” Having a runway length of 7002 feet allows access to converted 727s and other large aircraft that are utilized to haul freight. And the location right off the interstate provides a convenience factor, if there’s going to be a fly–in for a manufacturing plant or another industry along the interstate corridor.Just the regional geographic location is an extremely valuable tool that Anniston Regional offers to marketing for economic development. The entire region is steadily growing, which is another reason the airport has so much potential. “Calhoun County is a destination for eco–tourism,” says Arnett, “and we have some of the best bike trails in the world. When COVID hit and people stopped coming, it was noticeable. Before the pandemic, we had people flying in to experience our trails. We are also right next to the Talladega International Raceway, so we get race traffic. Jacksonville State University football team flies in and out of our airport, and then there is the military traffic out of Anniston Army Depot. The Regional Medical Centre also flies medical flights from the airport, as it is the medical hub of the county but before the pandemic, race traffic and military traffic were our two biggest users. We also have about 19 single–engine planes, 5 multiengine and 2 jets that call this place home.” The military has played a role in Anniston since 1917, when the federal government purchased 18,952 acres adjoining Anniston for the development of Camp McClellan. Renamed Fort McClellan in 1929, it was used as an Army training center until being closed in 1999. The Anniston Ordnance Depot, Anniston’s largest employer in the 1980s, continues to be the Army maintenance facility for most of its tracked vehicles. “We have five employees at the airport and an FBO, Anniston Aviation, who handle the day–to–day operations,” Arnett explains, “They have the military fuel contract and also manage the fuel farm. There is a pilots lounge and they have internet there. They also have hangar and ramp space available. We have an airport development plan, and when our grants are approved we hope to be doing a $4,000,000 resurfacing of our runway. We have also been working on smaller infrastructure improvements and drainage work for part of our land.” Once COVID is over, Arnett believes “people will come back to flying. We want to start taking an aggressive partnership with our FBO and ask some tough questions about what we need to do to grow this airport into what it already has the capacity to be. I think of it as a diamond in the rough just waiting, I think we have something special here. So I guess our wish list starts with growing service. We want to get out there and see if we cannot convince some of those commuter services to utilize the airport on a daily basis. Basically, I want to up our enplanements. “Then we have to work at bringing the community on board, as well as the city. We need to start thinking about the importance of this airport economically, but also as a driver of tourism and perhaps even a destination, itself, where people want to come. Right now we have been doing our best with what he have. But if we just got the buy–in and investment, we would be on our way to sharing what we have to offer here in Anniston to even more people.” PREFERRED VENDORS Department of Planning and Economic Development RMC Health System

Team Sports is joining the McClellan neighborhood and has landed in the perfect place just steps away from the McClellan Recreational area. The company provides team sales and services to schools, colleges, youth leagues and travel teams across the state of Alabama. In addition, Team Sports will be offering a mix of athletic/fitness attire and equipment for retail sales. “We believe the McClellan area has a bright future and feel that the central location in the county and the proximity of our building site to the Aquatic Center, sports fields and biking trails will be convenient for our team sales and retail customers”, said Kristin Laymon with Team Sports. This new project brings another diverse business to McClellan helping to enhance the mixed-use development that makes this area unique and welcoming. Having Team Sports locate here will have a strong impact on the area and will help bring future growth. “Working with Team Sports has been a pleasure, said Julie Moss Director of the MDA. “We look forward to their presence and the synergies that they bring to the McClellan Recreational area. The company currently carries brands such as Adidas, Mizuno, Schutt, Wilson, Easton, Rawlings and many more. Visit https://teamsportsal.com/ for more information.