CARLISLE, UK — A Jacksonville family has something in common with Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady – they bought a British soccer team.
The Piatak family, who own Magellan Transport Logistics, researched sports in America and overseas to find a team they wanted to buy and fell in love with the city about 300 miles North of London.
The team, Carlisle United, plays in League 1, the third highest soccer league in England.
The Piataks plan to stay based in Jacksonville, but will try to make it to at least half the team’s games.
“It was surreal," said Tom Piatak II. "I can’t put it into words how it felt. The crowd was amazing. The city really turned up for us. I’d say the whole city would say it was a win in itself because it was an absolutely electric atmosphere.”
If they play well enough, they could move up to the Championship League or even the top tier Premier League.