Reno 1868 FC, the USL affiliate of San Jose, has been an incredibly integral part of the Earthquakes system, allowing rehab assignments (see: Marc Pelosi, Fatai Alashe) and long-term loans (see: Matheus Silva, Lindo Mfeka) to effectively expand the team’s roster and give minutes to those who would otherwise not be playing.

Now Reno is adding another feather in their youth development cap. Four of the brightest Earthquakes Academy prospects spent time training with the team last week, giving them a more high-level training environment filled with talented players from top to bottom.

Jean-Julien Foe Nuphaus, Ivan Valencia, Adolfo Trujillo and Nico Lemoine – all members of the Quakes U-19 Academy squad – each spent a full week with the club led by head coach Ian Russell. The week in Reno simulates the four players living, eating and training like professionals – an extension of what they’ve learned in the academy.

Reno will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in the development of younger members of the organization, whether they came through the academy or signed as development projects from the outside. With the recent expansion of the Quakes’ youth system, 1868 FC will be the beneficiary of Homegrown talent and will in turn help produce regular first team players for San Jose. Last week was just the beginning.