RANGERS have signed a three-year partnership with American side Rise FC to expand their presence in the United States.
The Light Blues have clinched deals with the likes of Orange County SC and Indian outfit Bengaluru in recent months.
And the Soccer Academy brand will now continue to grow Stateside after the Florida-based Rise became the latest club to join the Gers' portfolio.
Gary Gibson, Head of Soccer Schools and International Relations, said: “The agreement with Rise FC is another fantastic step forward as we continue to increase our footprint in America.
“Malcolm has a real enthusiasm for the game, he wants to develop his players, coaches and drive the club forward so we are delighted to assist him in that process, their facilities are second to non-so overall it’s a really good fit.
“We are excited to get the partnership started, which also has a host of commercial benefits to Rangers. We look forward to supporting their coaching staff initially through the Rangers Online Academy where they will gain access to cutting-edge footage of our academy coaches and players.
“When its safe to do so we will send Soccer Academy staff over to work with Rise FC players and staff on camp and coach education events, but also welcome teams across to Glasgow each year of the partnership which I am sure will be a first-class experience.”
The working relationship with Rise will see coaches from Auchenhowie travel across the pond to deliver sessions.
Players from Rise - which was formed in April last year in Jupiter, Florida - will also visit Glasgow to expand their horizons on and off the park and Academy director Malcolm Boyle is encouraged by the Gers partnership.
He said: “I am super excited to announce our partnership with Rangers’ International Soccer Academy and Rise FC, and we cannot wait to get started.
“For me, this is ground-breaking for us as we will be the first youth club in Florida to have this partnership with this great club and to offer a pathway for both our boys and girls.
“Having worked in the professional game in Scotland before moving to the States, working at the St Mirren Academy, I know the importance of a strong curriculum and coach education for the development of players.
“I feel that this partnership will do the above and I cannot wait to be able to work with Rangers FC to take Rise FC to the next level.
“As the football world evolves, I want our club to be at the forefront of developing coaches and players and working with Rangers FC will enable us to achieve this.
“Being able to offer elite identification camps, coach education through the recently launched Rangers Online Academy to our coaches, and tours that involves visits to the Rangers Training Centre as well as games in Scotland when its safe to do so - this is a game-changer.”
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