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8 February, 2010
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By Stuart Taylor
Published: 26 June, 2008
FORT William Football Club's Claggan Park could be centre stage in a 21st century American Revolution. The Highland League club has signed a historic sponsorship deal with a US entertainment company which, in time, could lead to the side becoming a star of a reality television series in America.
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A number of American semi-professional players are set to join the Fort William squad in June 2009. PMAC Tonight Entertainment LLC specialises in sports and reality interactive media. The firm is in the process of developing a membership-based website that will generate additional revenue for reinvestment back into the football club. The website will be ready for the team's first match of the season in August, 2008. The website AmericasTeamFC.com will be featured on the kits for the upcoming 2008– 2009 season. The sponsorship is for one year with the possibility of an additional three-year option. A source from PMAC Tonight Entertainment confirmed that the company is in negotiations for a potential reality-based television series based upon the players and that the AmericasTeamFC.com sponsorship will allow American players and viewers to participate in the performance and success of Fort William FC. "Recruiting efforts will focus on American players that are visa and league-eligible to complement the currently understaffed Scottish team," said the source. "Scouts will be contacting coaches at American universities and other semi-amateur teams to identify qualified and eligible team candidates. "One person who has been asked to join the scouting efforts is legendary Scottish winger Charlie Cooke, who currently runs a successful football academy in the US." The AmericasTeamFC.com website will be heavily promoted within the US with the hopes that Fort William will attract a large American fan base. Jennifer Wolfe, a spokeswoman for PMAC Entertainment said: "The website will follow the players and the club on their journey from worst to first." Between seven and 10 American footballers are expected to arrive next June in time for training for the 2009–2010. In an exclusive interview with the Lochaber News, the American businessman behind the proposal, Paul McDonald, outlines the thinking behind the tie up which he believes will leave a legacy of improved facilities, a flourishing youth set-up and a successful football team which its town can be proud to follow. Yesterday (Wednesday), Fort William FC chairman Jimmy Campbell told the LN: "We're delighted to have the shirt sponsorship deal concluded and we should have our new kit within the next two to three weeks. "At the moment it would not be appropriate to be comment too much about the future plans as there is still a lot of discussion and negotiation to take place. It is exciting, thought, and we're looking forward to meeting Mr McDonald in the near future to take things further. "This partnership could be a great thing for Fort William, not just the football club, but for the wider community and particularly for youth development in this area. I must emphasise there is much work still to be done and the council, the Highland League and other club chairmen will be included in our future discussions." Colin Neilson, the club's life president said: "If the American dream comes off I will be absolutely delighted. I'm pretty excited about it but I know there is a lot of work to be done and our representatives are busy working on contractual matters. "The Americans have even been in touch with John McGinlay, the former Scotland international who comes from Caol, to act as a potential scout in America. "This can only brighten up the place. The club has had a hard time in recent years and I know a lot of people might sneer at what's happening but I can only see it as positive." * Should Fort William FC pursue its American dream? Go to 'The Big Vote' to have your say. 
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