FRISCO - The U-13 Academy team welcomed several players to train in Frisco this week from the club's affiliate in El Paso, where a steady stream of talent has filtered in to the club in recent years.
El Paso is one of 12 affiliate teams for the FC Dallas Youth program. The program gives affiliates access to the professional team, development model and the opportunity to work with the Academy coaches and FC Dallas staff.
There were 13 players who traveled to Frisco this week to practice with the academy. The affiliation between the two teams has grown as the team's and programs develop in their depth. The main goal of these events is not only to promote growth of the affiliate teams but also to strengthen the relationships between these teams, the MLS, and the local communities they represent. Three players have signed with FC Dallas from the El Paso affiliate: Ricardo Pepi (North Texas SC), Aaron Guillen, Alejandro Zendejas.
“Affiliations allow us to bring players in to experience the FCD Way, and it’s a credit to the boys this week for fitting right in socially with the group, which is a huge component," U-13 head coach John Gall said. "We try to make them feel at home so they can express their potential and leave Frisco feeling great about our club.”
The boys that made the trip include: Nicolas Ariztizabal, Fernando Marranzini, Joaquin Nunez, Ricardo Cedillo, David Martinez, Isiah Chavez, Gael Barragan, Daniel Moreno, Sal Olivas, Dante Morales, Ricardo Sanchez, Francisco Zubia and Federico Sosa.