Soccer is a sport that is still making headway in the United States, and there aren’t many teams that are household names – yet. The Carolina RailHawks, a D2 team in the second tier of American and Canadian soccer pyramids, have a comparatively impressive fan base. This is in no small part due to the team’s national marketing campaign, and the RailHawks are currently looking to create more marketing positions with the hopes of advancing second division soccer.

The team has set itself apart with a well-designed website that offers fans quality content. It features that latest news on the RailHawks, videos with game clips and opportunities for fans to get involved – with an interactive kids’ club and links to volunteer applications for those who want to lend a hand at games. It also serves as an ecommerce site, clearly directing users to buy tickets at pre-sale discounts and indicating how many people are currently planning to attend games to emphasize that tickets are available for limited times.

Linked to the official websites is a growing RailHawks Twitter account and a Facebook fan page. Nearly 2,000 fans “like” the team on Facebook, and the site’s wall has frequent updates with the team making frequent posts and responding to users comments.

These strategies have helped put the team on the national soccer map, but now, the American Chronicle reports team president Brian Wellman wants to build on this popularity and attract more fans with more marketing. He told the source that having a sound marketing campaign is especially important for teams that aren’t in the top level.

The team is currently recruiting investors, and it plans to use funds acquired to create more marketing positions. Moreover, Wellman indicated that many of Division II soccer’s woes are a product of lack of branding.

Especially in the aftermath of World Cup frenzy, other D2 teams – as well as major league teams – could be looking to hire more marketers to promote themselves among fans.

Marketers more interested in the big leagues may be interested in the recent buzz surrounding a valuable player coming to NYC. Soccer United Marketing is quoted by ESPN’s Global Soccernet as saying Theirry Henry’s recent move to the MLS’ New York Red Bulls holds the potential to elevate major league soccer in America, and more marketing dollars will likely be channeled into the sport. Marketers and sports fans should stay tuned.