COLUMBUS – Crew Juniors, the Columbus Crew’s youth development system, has officially ended its exclusive affiliation with Cincinnati United Soccer Club – including its premier CUP program – effective June 30, 2013.
The partnership with the organization began on July 1, 2008, an agreement that saw Cincinnati United become the Crew’s exclusive out-of-market affiliate in Ohio South. The Crew Juniors were critical in the growth and development of CUP during that five-year span, highlighted by last year's U-15 team and this year's U-17 squad qualifying for the USYS National Championships. The affiliation included professional player development instruction, along with membership in one of the most innovative and comprehensive player development systems in the country.
"We have enjoyed our partnership with Cincinnati United over the past five years,” said Andrew Arthurs, Senior Vice President of Soccer Business Development and Executive Director of Crew Juniors. “As we went through the recent renewal discussions, we determined that extending the relationship on an exclusive basis was not in our best interest. We are eager to work with engaged clubs throughout Ohio South that have expressed an interest in partnerships moving forward.”
Arthurs continues, “We also look forward to continuing to work with Cincinnati United on many levels, including helping identify and evaluate when top players are ready for the Crew Soccer Academy levels. We thank them for their participation as an exclusive Crew Youth affiliate and wish them the best in the future."
