New York City FC announce that the Club have signed a one-year affiliation agreement with USL Pro team Wilmington Hammerheads FC.

An open door policy will allow coaches to have the opportunity to observe training sessions and matches as well as share soccer and business expertise between the two clubs.

Claudio Reyna, Sporting Director of New York City FC said: “We are proud to announce our affiliation with Wilmington Hammerheads. We have the opportunity here to develop a strong partnership for the mutual benefit of both clubs, including sharing technical and soccer experience.”

Wilmington Hammerheads FC compete in the American Division of the USL Professional Division. The North Carolina-based franchise was founded in 1996 and has since qualified for the USL PRO playoffs in 13 of the 18 seasons as a club, including in 2014. The Hammerheads have had success on a national level in the past, winning the USL Pro Select League in 2003 and defeating MLS franchises during the U.S. Open Cup in 2003 and 2009.

“We have been working on this affiliation for a long time now; it was a very important decision for New York City FC. I visited Wilmington and was very impressed with the structure, the coaching staff and the professionalism that I saw. I’m excited at what our combined knowledge and resources can achieve”, said Reyna.

“This affiliation will provide us with a fantastic option if we feel some of our younger players would benefit from valuable first team experience and to continue their progression at a great club that shares our playing philosophy. It’s an exciting moment in the development of New York City FC.”

Wilmington Hammerheads FC Technical Director and Head Coach Carson Porter said:

“These MLS/USL PRO affiliations really come down to relationships and already Claudio Reyna, Jason Kreis, Tim Pernetti and the entire NYCFC staff have opened their doors to us. Jason Kreis has included our coaching staff in his preparations towards their first season and Claudio Reyna took the time to come down to Wilmington to evaluate and spend time with our entire staff.

“These types of actions are made because NYCFC is committed to excellence in whatever they put their name on, in this case their USL Affiliate. We thank NYCFC for the opportunity and are fully committed to contribute and support in any way we can.”