North American Club Partnership
In January 2008 the Austin Aztex and Stoke City announced a team partnership. This meant sharing training information and players, with Austin acting as a potential player resource for Stoke. The Potters hoped the relationship would unearth quality American players, as Texas is considered to be one of the hotbeds for American football talent. Stoke City also look to build an American fan base by sending young players to get playing time and selling Stoke City merchandise in Austin. They signed former Stoke player Gifton Noel-Williams.
Stoke played a mid-season friendly against Austin Aztex on 14 October 2009 at Nantwich Town's Weaver Stadium; their visit was to allow the Americans access to Stoke's training grounds at Clayton Woods as part of their pre-season training.
In 2010 Austin Aztex moved to Orlando and were renamed Orlando City SC. They signed former Stoke midfielder Lewis Neal in March 2011.
Read more about this topic: Stoke City F.C.
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