Hammerheads Announce MLS Affiliation
January 16, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - Wilmington Hammerheads FC announced today that they have formed an exclusive affiliate partnership with New York City FC of Major League Soccer.
The one-year affiliation agreement focuses primarily on the development of players and providing them with a professional playing environment while also working together on rosters to maximize results for both sides.
"This affiliation is a great opportunity not only for our club, but for the city of Wilmington and our fans," said Wilmington Hammerheads FC General Manager Jason Arnold. "We are excited to continue to enhance the development of soccer players in our country and look forward to a successful 2015 season for both clubs."
The partnership between the two teams has been in the works for several months and included a visit from former United States Men's National Team player and current NYCFC Sporting Director, Claudio Reyna, to Wilmington to meet with club staff.
"This partnership is massive for the entire Wilmington soccer community, from our first team, to our youth club, to our loyal supporters and hopefully to new supporters," said Wilmington Hammerheads FC Technical Director and Head Coach Carson Porter. "These MLS/USL PRO affiliations really come down to relationships and already Claudio Reyna, Jason Kreis, Tim Pernetti and the entire NYCFC staff have opened their doors to us."
The affiliation agreement also opens communication and shared resources off the field between each club's front office and technical staff.
"Jason [Kreis] has included our coaching staff in his preparations towards their first season and Claudio [Reyna] took the time to come down to Wilmington to evaluate and spend time with our entire staff," said Porter. "These types of actions are made because NYCFC is committed to excellence in whatever they put their name on, in this case it's their USL Affiliate. We thank NYCFC for the opportunity and are fully committed to contribute and support in any way we can."
NYCFC was announced publicly as MLS's twentieth franchise in May 2013, a partnership with the New York Yankees with City Football Group as the majority owner. They are the first MLS club whose home will be located within the five boroughs of New York and are temporarily scheduled to play all home matches at the iconic Yankee Stadium while looking for a site within the five boroughs of New York to build a soccer specific stadium.
"Wilmington Hammerheads will provide us with a fantastic option if we feel some of our younger players would benefit from valuable first team minutes and to continue their progression at a great club that shares our playing philosophy," said Reyna. "It's an exciting move in the development of New York City FC."
New York City is scheduled to play their inaugural match on March 8, 2015 against fellow MLS newcomers Orlando City Soccer Club at the Florida Citrus Bowl.
Wilmington was previously affiliated with Toronto FC last season. TFC elected to field its own USL PRO club for the upcoming 2015 season along with several MLS clubs this year.
For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads FC or to purchase season tickets, please contact (910)777-2111 or visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com .
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 16, 2015
- Sacramento Republic FC Promote Rod Underwood to Academy Director - Sacramento Republic FC
- Saint Louis FC Announces Chicago Fire as MLS Affiliate - Saint Louis FC
- Orange County Blues FC Conclude Training Camp Friday - Orange County SC
- Hammerheads Announce MLS Affiliation - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Kickers and Garner Agree to Terms - Richmond Kickers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
