NISL appoints new Commissioner, gains key status with Federation

The National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) announced today that the League has hired David Grimaldi to serve as Commissioner, effective immediately.  Grimaldi, the Deputy Commissioner for the former Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and a former professional indoor soccer player, joined the MISL shortly after its inception in 2002.
 
"It is a pleasure to be joining the NISL as the Commissioner," Grimaldi said. "I feel strongly that professional indoor soccer, a true American Game started 31 years ago in 1978, is one of sports best entertainment values and has its rightful place in professional sports. Even during these challenging economic times, I look forward to working hard to promote and expand the NISL in the future."
 
Grimaldi joined the MISL as Director of Soccer Operations in September of 2002, before elevating to Vice President of Soccer Operations then Deputy Commissioner.  The Rutgers University graduate and two-year Team Captain for the Scarlet Knights, played 110 games and served as team captain with the Cleveland Force over the course of his indoor playing career (1979-82).  He also played for the Dallas Tornado and Memphis Rogues in the outdoor North American Soccer League (NASL).  Following his retirement from the pro game in 1982, he worked for Fortune 100 companies such as American Express (Global Account Development) and Federal Express (Senior Operations Manager) before returning to indoor soccer.
 
“David was involved in the MISL for several years and played an integral role in running the League’s soccer operations,” said Ed Hale, owner of the Baltimore Blast. “We are pleased to have him join the National Indoor Soccer League as Commissioner.”
 
During his tenure with the MISL, Grimaldi directed the soccer operations, including administration of team rosters, player contracts, transactions, scheduling, game operations and disciplinary matters.  He was also instrumental in the 2003 and 2004 MISL All-Star Weekends and creating the MISL Legends Game.
 
In addition to Grimaldi’s appointment, the NISL announced it has received provisional membership in the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).  The USSF is the governing body for soccer in the United States and membership benefits include licensing, insuring and assignment of U.S. Soccer registered referees, a conduit of relationships with the IOC, USOC, FIFA and CONCACAF, and continuing education for coaches and referees. 
 
The National Indoor Soccer League was launched in September of 2008 and consists of five founding members; the Baltimore Blast, La RaZa de Monterrey, Philadelphia KiXX, Rockford Rampage and the Massachusetts Twisters.  The NISL has formed a working relationship with the United Soccer Leagues (USL) and has received provisional membership in the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
 
The NISL kicked off its inaugural season on November 15th and will continue through March with the playoffs taking place the first two weeks of April.