From the AIFA website.........

ROCHESTER, New York (June 13, 2008) – The American Indoor Football Association announced the addition of the Rochester Raiders for the 2009 AIFA season. The Raiders will likely play in the league's competitive North Division.

Rochester becomes the third defending champion of a competing league to join the AIFA. The NIFL champion Fayetteville Guard and the WIFL champion Augusta Colts previously switched leagues, along with the WIFL finalist Columbus Lions.

The Raiders reigned as defending champions of the Continental Indoor Football League in 2007, and they finished the 2008 regular season undefeated with a 12-0 record. Over their three seasons in the CIFL, Rochester was 33-6. They leave the league with a 24-game indoor football winning streak.

“The Raiders are a perfect fit for our league,” said AIFA co-founder John Morris. “Their record speaks for itself, and they have solid fan support. I am most impressed by their commitment to excellence. Our teams and our league share that kind of commitment.”

To help introduce the league and its member teams, the AIFA has scheduled two special exhibition games for the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. The games will feature two future North Division rivals, the Erie Riverrats and the Baltimore Mariners. Dates for the games are June 21st and June 28th respectively.

“Our league is growing,” said AIFA National Director Jack Bowman. “We are continuing to receive inquiries regarding league franchises. Based on the number and quality of these inquiries, I believe we can anticipate additional growth in our future.”

The AIFA will provide special coverage and reaction to this news story through its weekly Internet Radio program, This Week in the AIFA. Future shows will provide continuing updates on the Raiders, as well as all other league teams and news items. The program is available for download at the AIFA web site (www.aifaprofootball.com), or through the OurSports Central web site (www.oursportscentral.com).