New York City FC have today announced an affiliation agreement with USL team San Antonio FC.
Each club will be designated as the other’s affiliate for the upcoming season and the extensive partnership agreement will result in organizational collaboration for both on and off the field initiatives.
Claudio Reyna, Sporting Director of New York City FC said: “We’re happy to announce our affiliation with San Antonio FC. This will be an important affiliation for NYCFC with an ambitious, forward-thinking club like San Antonio FC which shares our drive to grow the game within their own passionate soccer community”
“Spurs Sports & Entertainment is a best-in-class professional sports organization that New York City FC can learn from as our club continues to grow.”
“We believe this will be a mutually beneficial relationship which will allow us to share ideas and knowledge on team and coaching development between the two clubs.
“In addition, our younger players can benefit from access to playing time in a competitive league at a club with a strong vision for the future and a clear identity on the field.
“This is an exciting announcement for both clubs and I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits that both teams can reap from it.”
Tim Holt, Managing Director of San Antonio FC, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with New York City FC as we continue to shape the ambitious future of San Antonio FC.
“NYCFC has quickly established itself as one of the highest performing clubs in Major League Soccer, and there is a considerable amount we can learn from their successful sporting and business models.
“We look forward to cooperating with our new partners and are excited by this tremendous boost headed into the 2017 season.”
The partnership will facilitate the sharing of best practices between the two clubs as well as between Spurs Sports & Entertainment and City Football Group – the controlling entity of NYCFC.
The two organizations will utilize experiences on both sides in regards to marketing, community relations, player development, academy expansion and growth as well as other key areas of sports business.
An open door policy will allow coaches to have the opportunity to observe training sessions and matches as well as share soccer and business expertise between the two clubs.
San Antonio FC began USL play last season after being awarded the 31st franchise on January 7, 2016, and finished tenth in the Western Conference in 2016 with a 10-12-8 record through their debut year.
Led by Head Coach Darren Powell, the former Orlando City SC ProAcademy Director, the team from the Alamo City play out of the 8,400 capacity Toyota Field.
San Antonio FC’s parent company is Spurs Sports & Entertainment who also own NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, WNBA’s San Antonio Stars, the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage and the NBA D League’s Austin Spurs, while operating the AT&T Center and Toyota Field.
