TAMPA, Fla. – After a successful first-year partnership, the United Soccer League and Alianza de Futbol have agreed to extend their partnership through 2017, allowing the USL and its teams access to scout and recruit during Alianza’s events across the country.

Hundreds of thousands of Hispanic families participate in Alianza events each year, with many top prospects identified during these competitions.

The USL, one of the most prominent Division II soccer leagues in the world, will continue to support Alianza de Futbol through its tryout program, POWERADE® Sueño Alianza, as its exclusive domestic professional league partner.

In the 2016 POWERADE® Sueño Alianza National Showcase, the first results of this collaboration came to fruition as 25 invited players representing the USL had the opportunity to showcase their talent.

“The extension of our partnership is a fantastic opportunity to expand the USL’s role among the younger talent of our landscape,” said Gordon Bengtson, USL Vice President of Competition & Technical Development. “Last year was a great starting point as we had seven clubs take part in their National Showcase. We also see USL clubs continuing to play a greater role in local Alianza events. Saint Louis FC’s Academy, for example had the opportunity to play against POWERADE® Sueño Alianza teams in Chicago last year and Phoenix Rising FC had a marketing presence at their opening event this year.

“The growth of our relationship with Alianza de Futbol will continue to add value to our teams in multiple areas and our league is excited for the prospects of this continued collaboration.”

For more than a decade, Alianza de Futbol has provided a platform to support the development of amateur Hispanic soccer in the United States. The organization sponsors tournaments, including POWERADE® Sueño Alianza, the largest scouting program in the United States dedicated to provide talented Hispanic players in the U-16, U-19 and U-22 age groups with a once-in-a-lifetime free opportunity to be seen by top coaches and scouts.

“We are very excited because we had a very good first year of our agreement with the USL,” said Joaquin Escoto, Managing Director of Alianza de Futbol. “In 2017, with the 10th season of POWERADE® Sueño Alianza, we look forward to continuing to provide together new opportunities to the Hispanic community and be part of the dreams of more players.”

For more information and to register for the POWERADE® Sueño Alianza free tryouts, visit alianzadefutbol.com.