SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced a new youth soccer affiliation with East Valley Futbol Club (EVFC) to create Earthquakes East Valley. Earthquakes East Valley will be the competitive arm of EVFC.

“We are extremely excited about this partnership. Many great players live in the Central Valley area and we are looking forward to having a presence in furthering those players’ development,” said Chris Leitch, technical director of the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. “EVFC’s setup is first-class and includes high quality training and game fields, a professional licensed coaching staff and college coaches involved as trainers. You will see even more talented players coming from this area in the near future.”

“Our goal has always been to develop young men and women into their full potential while fostering growth through a social and safe learning environment,” said Earthquakes East Valley President Bob Crossman. “We will continue to do this while utilizing the Quakes’ professional coaching instruction, curriculum, and guidance”.

This announcement follows the recent expansion of the Earthquakes youth development programs, which now include club teams for boys players from U9 through U16 and the formation of a PDL team (U23+) playing in Turlock in 2014 at Cal State Stanislaus. Additionally, the Quakes have formed recreational programs for boys and girls starting at the U5 level. Both the club teams and the recreational programs will be based in San Jose. For more information on the Quakes youth teams including Academy and club teams visit: earthquakesacademy.com.

The PDL team will consist of Quakes Academy graduates combined with some of the top college players in the country and up-and-coming players trying to reach the professional level. Dana Taylor is the head coach for the Quakes PDL team and will also be heavily involved with Earthquakes East Valley. For PDL tickets and fundraising information, please call 209-620-0315.