MLS Columbus Crew SC

Crew Juniors and Team Challenger Announce Strategic Partnership

Published on July 7, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS - Crew Juniors, the Columbus Crew's youth development club, and Team Challenger FC announced today a formal partnership to form Challenger Crew Juniors, providing families in surrounding communities an outstanding local option to be connected with one of the most comprehensive youth soccer models in Major League Soccer and the nation.

Located in Medina (South HQ) and Avon (North), Team Challenger FC was formed in the winter of 2007 for the sole purpose of competing in the Indoor National Tournament. The fun and success that team enjoyed led to the development of one of the most successful clubs in northeast Ohio.

The area's leader in player development, Team Challenger has in the last three years earned three National Championships, four Regional Championships, two State Cup titles, three State Cup finalists, 37 league titles, 34 tournament titles and 15 tournament finals. Most recently, its U12 boys team won the 2011 Ohio North State Cup, while the U13 and U10 boys advanced to their respective finals.

With the partnership, Crew Juniors continues to expand its programming by adding a successful youth club partner that will field boys and girls teams ranging from U8 to U15. Much like other Crew Juniors affiliates, Challenger Crew Juniors coaches will benefit from the unique Crew-developed and branded coaching curriculum, in addition to a strong and consistent commitment to continuing education.

"We are very excited to welcome Team Challenger into our Crew Juniors family," said Andrew Arthurs, VP of Soccer Business Development and Crew Juniors Executive Director. "Their standards and achievements in a short period of time are extremely impressive. Challenger Crew Juniors will provide top-quality and comprehensive programming to families in northeast Ohio. As those players develop and are ready for higher levels, they'll be part of a model that provides that upward mobility and opportunity with our Crew Juniors Gold, Crew Soccer Academy, Crew 19s and Crew Super 20s."

Challenger Crew Juniors players will enjoy access to Crew players, coaches and facilities (Crew Stadium and the Crew Training Center at Obetz); wear the colors of one of the most recognizable brands in American soccer; and have the opportunity to reach their highest potential level in one comprehensive system. The U16 and U18 Crew Soccer Academy teams are fully funded and have enjoyed tremendous success in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy league, which is the U.S. National Team's player identification program.

"This is an amazing opportunity for Team Challenger and, more importantly, for the soccer community as a whole in northeast Ohio," said Team Challenger President Steve Milhoan. "We are extremely excited to be part of the Columbus Crew organization and for the exceptional opportunities that this affiliation will provide. It will not only afford Team Challenger players the opportunity to be part of the best player development model in Ohio, but also give those talented players in northeast Ohio who are not affiliated with Challenger a chance to be exposed to the high level of training it provides."

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