LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas Lights FC announced on Friday the appointment of Gianleonardo Neglia as the club’s new Sporting Director.

“I am delighted to have Gianleonardo join the Las Vegas Lights as our new Sporting Director,” said Lights owner José Bautista. “His experience over the past several years in European soccer at one of Italy’s most forward-thinking clubs and his knowledge of the North American sporting landscape will be a tremendous asset as he works alongside Head Coach Dennis Sanchez in building our club on the field.”

Neglia joins the Lights’ front office having most recently served as the Assistant Sporting Director at Venezia FC of Italy’s Serie B. Venezia FC currently sits in third place in Serie B and is in contention for automatic promotion to Serie A at the end of the current campaign.

"I am beyond excited to be joining Las Vegas Lights FC, and humbled to be the club’s new Sporting Director,” said Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia. “I’d like to thank our owner, José Bautista, for this incredible opportunity. There is plenty of work to be done, but we can’t wait to get started. There is no city in the world like Las Vegas and I am confident that we can deliver a team that this city and community can be proud of."

Neglia and Head Coach Dennis Sanchez are actively recruiting players that will feature for the Lights this season. The club will kick off the new campaign on Saturday, March 9 when it visits Memphis 901 FC before its home opener against FC Tulsa on Saturday, March 16 at Cashman Field.