COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew today announced a strategic partnership with the Hispanic adult soccer league Latinos Unidos. The blossoming relationship is a milestone for the Crew organization, which has been working very closely with the Hispanic community through its Director of Hispanic Development Eduardo (Eddie) Carvacho.
One of the highlights of the affiliation is that the Crew Reserves will play an exhibition match against a Liga Latinos Unidos All-Star team on Tuesday, August 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Crew Training Center at Obetz.
"This is just one example of what we can do together," Carvacho said. "Since Day One, Latinos Unidos president Jorge Ponce has sought the opportunity to be part of the Crew family and work as an active supporter of soccer, his league and the Crew. He has been a great catalyst and a passionate Crew ambassador within the community.
"Our shared goal is to entrench, connect, actively integrate and mobilize our diverse communities to take advantage of the great venue and terrific product. As we grow, we will be looking to add more passion to Crew games through every Spanish-speaking community in Columbus, the state of Ohio and the surrounding region. Our primary message is 'Come celebrate the world's game right here at Crew Stadium with your team, the Columbus Crew.'"
The two organizations are functioning together to create a means with which to identify young talent in the Hispanic, and other ethnic communities across the state, as well as provide special access to Crew technical staff for area adult soccer players. The partnership also aims to consider the long-term potential of providing field space and other services to Latinos Unidos via the Crew's efforts to build a larger training complex.
"The beauty of soccer is its international flavor and the ability to bring together many cultures," said Crew Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "The common bond that fútbol represents allows the Crew and our coaches to join the Latino community in working to bring the Crew Soccer Experience to many people."
Carvacho added that relationships with other leagues are in the works in Columbus, Dayton and other cities within the state of Ohio.
Founded by American sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the Columbus Crew is Ohio's Major League Soccer club, anchoring a diverse sports and entertainment enterprise. One of the league's Charter Members and the U.S. Open Cup champion in 2002, it recently opened its 12th season overall and ninth in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium.
