The Austin Aztex and Stoke City F.C. have revealed details of the partnership that was announced in Austin and at Stoke City earlier this year. The partnership will be a fully cooperative agreement targeted toward player development and opportunity. There will be plenty of talent scouting that will open many new doors for potential advancement for players at all levels of the game.
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Austin Aztex and Stoke City will have an official partnership between the two clubs
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Austin will act as feeder club for young talent to Stoke City
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Austin will proactively scout the USA and locally in Central Texas for talent for Stoke City
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Stoke City will provide up to a maximum of two young Stoke players to play on the Austin squad each season (April to Sept)
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Stoke City will come to the Austin for either post-season or pre-season tour.
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When in Austin the Stoke players will conduct a training camp for local youngsters
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Stoke City will host a youth team (age to be determined) from Austin area for a week each year. The youth team will train with the Stoke Academy players and play a couple of exhibition games against Stoke City Youth Academy
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The two clubs will have reciprocal links on their respective websites
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A coach from Austin Aztex will have the opportunity to go to Stoke and “shadow” the Stoke City coaching team for a week each year
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Best practices in sales, marketing and promotions will be shared between the two clubs
Tim Holt, the Chief Operating Officer of the United Soccer Leagues, commented on the positive aspects of the partnership:
