The Boston Breakers announced today a partnership with Florida Elite Soccer Academy to be their professional affiliate.
"“We are very pleased to be the affiliation of the Florida Elite Soccer Academy,” Boston Breakers General Manager Lee Billiard said. “The people running the program in Florida are very experienced people, building something special. For us to have the Boston Breakers brand and the NWSL brand in a new national market is important for our growth, and the recognition of the women’s league. We are excited and honored to be the affiliate of the Florida Elite Soccer Academy”"
More from NWSL
- Angel City: A bit of women led magic brought to your TV screen
- Dr. Cindy Chang is NWSL’s first Chief Medical Officer
- Why the NWSL Challenge Cup final start time is absurd
- Electric evening for NWSL’s historic California debut
- Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman is more than her father’s daughter
The goals of the partnership are to provide all Florida Elite Soccer Academy players the opportunity to associate with the Boston Breakers, to promote positive public participation in, and awareness of the sport by educating and involving players, parents, and coaches along with providing a development pathway to Boston Breakers senior programs.
“The Florida Elite Soccer Academy looks forward to providing our players an opportunity to witness the women’s game at the highest level,” Florida Elite Soccer Academy co-chairman Chris Neeley said. “The Florida Elite Soccer Academy is committed to excellence in every phase of youth soccer. This partnership will provide a pathway to the highest levels of soccer.”
“We are very proud and excited to partner with the Boston Breakers and offer our young girl players an opportunity to be mentored by professional players,” Sean Bubb the executive director of the Florida Elite Soccer Academy said. “We look forward to promoting not only the Boston Breakers but the NWSL as well. Florida Elite now offers an opportunity that no other club offers, a partnership with a women’s professional team. This is a perfect partnership to further the level of training for our young women.”
The partnership also includes a Boston Breakers preseason trip to Florida in which the Breakers will have the opportunity to interact with Florida Elite Soccer Academy players and coaches.
"“Through the affiliation and partnership we are able to take the pro team down to Florida where we will spend eight days during pre season training and playing a couple of competitive scrimmages,” Billiard said. “This also allows us to introduce the players and Breakers brand to the Florida Elite Soccer Academy coaches, players, and families. The facilities are top quality, and the weather will no doubt be better than here in Boston. It is important to take the team away and get our focus and preparations ahead of the NWSL season.”"
Part of the NWSL’s goal is to continue to promote their brand however they can. Partnering with various soccer clubs/associations is a major goal for the league, both to bring its players closer together with youth clubs as well as continue its grass roots efforts in various communities. I hope that other clubs will follow suit. As perhaps the smallest of professional leagues, the NWSL must take advantage of any avenue for growth.
Quotes courtesy of NWSL
Next: Hope Solo Is A Distraction USWNT Doesn't Need