Washington, D.C. (March 11, 2010) - D.C. United and FC Machida Zelvia announced today the clubs have entered an agreement to partner on activities ranging from technical scouting and development to marketing and promotional initiatives. The partnership is the first of its kind between teams from the United States and Japan.
“This is particularly an exciting partnership for me, as I was born and raised in Japan,” said United Executive Chairman Will Chang. “I look forward to working with FC Machida on many fronts.”
The two teams have recently begun a relationship that will see the two scout and develop amateur talent in the United States and Japan as well as provide opportunities to extend each club’s marketing and branding reach.
“It was an important task for our new club to develop both its players and front office staff globally,” added FC Machida Zelvia General Secretary Minoru Moriya. “The partnership with a prestigious club like D.C. United, who plays in a similar season, is a big step for both our technical side and club staff’s development. We hope that this partnership will help develop both clubs.”
About D.C. United
Headquartered in Washington, DC and playing home matches at RFK Stadium, D.C. United is the most successful professional soccer organization in the history of the United States. United is four-time MLS Cup Champions (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004) and winners of the 1996 and 2008 U.S. Open Cup, the 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the 1998 Interamerican Cup and the 1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007 MLS Supporters Shield. United is one of 16 teams comprising Major League Soccer, joining CD Chivas USA, the Chicago Fire, the Colorado Rapids, the Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, the Houston Dynamo, the Kansas City Wizards, the Los Angeles Galaxy, the New England Revolution, the Philadelphia Union, Red Bull New York, Real Salt Lake, the San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC. The League’s 17th and 18th teams, based in Portland and Vancouver, respectively, will begin play in 2011. For the latest headlines and official information on the Black-and-Red, log on to www.dcunited.com .
About FC Machida Zelvia
Headquartered in Machida City, Tokyo, Japan, FC Machida Zelvia was established in 1989 as the first team for FC Machida, a top Japanese youth developmental system developed in 1977 known to produce many J. League players. The nickname Zelvia comes from Machida City’s official flower, the Zelcova, and the official tree, Salvia. Naoki Soma, who represented Japan at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, currently serves as the club’s head coach of the Japan Football League affiliated club.
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Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
