Hoffenheim announce partnership with MLS side FC Cincinnati
Hoffenheim have announced a partnership with MLS club FC Cincinnati.
"We're very pleased that we've been able to win a partner in the US football growth market for an ongoing partnership. We have a lot in common with FC Cincinnati, such as our commitment to social responsibility, our clear focus on top-class sport and a consistently innovative focus," said Hoffenheim managing director Peter Görlich.
FC Cincinnati was founded in 2016 and entered Major League Soccer (MLS) as the 24th team in February 2019. Cincinnati, which has a strong German influence, is a football bastion in the US state of Ohio.
A friendly against English Premier League side Crystal Palace attracted more than 35,000 spectators in 2018, a record for the state of Ohio, where Columbus Crew is home to a second MLS team. In January 2020, Jürgen Locadia moved from Hoffenheim to FC Cincinnati, and American youth international Joseph-Claude Gyau, another former Hoffenheim player professional, plays for the MLS team.
"We strive for a diverse partnership that not only affects the football schooling and the mutual transfer of innovations but also our companies with a brand and image exchange," explained Görlich.
"It's a great day for us to conclude the cooperation with Hoffenheim. We're very proud. The partnership enables us to develop together on many levels," said Gerard Nijkamp, Sports Director of FC Cincinnati.
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"Cincinnati is an innovative club that is currently building a fantastic stadium. The MLS environment is also extremely interesting because more and more talented American football players are entering the European market," said Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen.
Rosen has confirmed that in the coming months the opportunity for players to move between the two clubs will become more realistic.
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