Real Madrid and RSL Soccer Academy

Rover · 05-07-2006, 11:00 PM

Lost in a long and awful week for RSL was some extraordinarily good news. Briefly described in this DesNews article, RSL is close to a major deal to partner with Real Madrid in a variety of ways.

The possible visit by Los Merengues in August was already known, but now there is word of training exchanges and regular visits to Utah.

But most importantly, Real Madrid wants to use its partnership with RSL to establish an American-based soccer academy. Other MLS teams have partnerships with international clubs, but none has a partner of the caliber and resources of Real Madrid.

This is a coup for Dave Checketts and the culmination of at least two years of work. We can use some good news right about now, and even for a Barca fan this partnership is welcome. Would have preferred we went in with the Catalonians, but I'll be content that we're wearing the colors of FC Barcelona.

Stucki · 05-07-2006, 11:11 PM

That was the only surprising thing I heard during that press conference.

BroncsBomber · 05-08-2006, 07:29 AM

Now if they would just send us a quality International to groom as the next Ronaldo...

Jose Luis Luviano · 05-08-2006, 08:32 AM

Maybe we should merge this with one of the anti-Ellinger threads.....

Emilio Butragueno supposedly speaks English very well and he has spent time in the US.........

Aerick · 05-08-2006, 11:46 AM

Freakin' Awesome!!!

RSLChango · 05-08-2006, 03:02 PM

What's most important for me is to see that D. Checketts is looking beyond the stadium deal and has some real aspirations for this club that go beyond the just being an standard MLS franchise. It was great to hear when we were all feeling so dark about the club's immediate future.

Aerick · 05-08-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSLChango

What's most important for me is to see that D. Checketts is looking beyond the stadium deal and has some real aspirations for this club that go beyond the just being an standard MLS franchise. It was great to hear when we were all feeling so dark about the club's immediate future.

Part of the teams mission statement:

"To creat an internationally recognized brand."

prk166 · 05-08-2006, 11:11 PM

I hope this pans out for RSL.

RSL Punk · 05-09-2006, 08:32 AM

Me too, especially because:

1) Beckham is already starting his own branded academies in the states, and

2) He's on the record as being in favor of finishing his career in the US.

Now, before everyone gets all bigsoccer on me, I know that's a ways off. But couple that with Donovan's also-somewhat-fuzzy "I'd like to play here" comments and you could maybe, just barely see an RSL in say five years with both Beckham and Landycakes. That'd draw a few crowds, wouldn't it? (I can dream about a Beckham-to-Ballouchy-to-Donovan goal, can't I?)

AreliusIV · 05-09-2006, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSL Punk

Me too, especially because:

1) Beckham is already starting his own branded academies in the states, and

2) He's on the record as being in favor of finishing his career in the US.

Now, before everyone gets all bigsoccer on me, I know that's a ways off. But couple that with Donovan's also-somewhat-fuzzy "I'd like to play here" comments and you could maybe, just barely see an RSL in say five years with both Beckham and Landycakes. That'd draw a few crowds, wouldn't it? (I can dream about a Beckham-to-Ballouchy-to-Donovan goal, can't I?)

:drool: