Real Maryland FC and Real Sporting de Gijón Form Partnership

Silver Spring, MD -- Real Maryland FC announced today that it has formed a partnership with Real Sporting de Gijón who plays in La Liga, Primera Division of Spain.  The Spanish club was established June 1, 1905 in Gijón, Asturias.  Known as the Rojiblancos because of their red and white striped jerseys, their home field is El Molinon Stadium.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the relationship between the two clubs,” said Owner Victor Moran.  “I believe the new relationship will benefit both clubs from the youth level all the way to the professional level.”

The partnership is focused on multiple aspects of player and club development.  Various aspects of the new relationship include:

• Real Maryland FC will send youth players over to Spain each year to live and train in Real Sporting de Gijón’s Youth Training Academy which includes training, lodging and other living accommodations.
• Real Maryland FC will serve as a developmental training ground for higher-level endeavors.
• Real Maryland FC will act as an identification club for talented players to be sent to Real Sporting de Gijón.
• Selected Real Maryland FC players will have the opportunity to go and compete with the Real Sporting de Gijón.
• Real Sporting de Gijón coaches will have the opportunity to go to Real Maryland FC to share coaching practices and ideas.
• Real Maryland FC coaches will have the opportunity to go to Real Sporting de Gijón to attend training sessions and “shadow” their coaching staff.   
• The two clubs will work in recommending youth and professional players to each other.
• Real Sporting de Gijón and Real Maryland FC will exchange best club practices.

The partnership offers a tremendous opportunity in the development and identification of talented players, especially young talent.  “I believe it is the goal of every young player to go overseas to get a shot,” said General Manager David Noyes.  “We are very fortunate to be able to offer this to the local youth.” By building this relationship it helps to improve the quality of football both in the USL and at the grassroots level of Maryland.

Real Maryland FC participates in the Second Division of the United Soccer Leagues.  All 2009 Regular Season Home Games will be played at Lester Stadium at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD.  For more information, please visit realmaryland.us or contact General Manager David Noyes at (301) 933-6460.

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