Freedom FC continues sign-up surge after coaching development training

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - Soccer's growing popularity in Yuma County is helping fuel excitement for Freedom FC as the club continues to strengthen its partnership with Phoenix Rising FC ahead of its inaugural season.

Freedom FC recently provided an update on its collaboration with the professional club, which has included development opportunities for local coaches and plans to create a pathway for young players to advance through the sport.

As part of the partnership, Freedom FC coaches traveled to Phoenix to participate in a development training program with Phoenix Rising FC.

The experience allowed coaches to learn training methods and organizational practices from one of the region's top soccer organizations as they prepare to launch the new club.

With strong community interest and the additional resources provided through the partnership, Freedom FC is aiming to have 300 athletes participate during its first season. The club still has spots available for youth players interested in joining.

Phoenix Rising officials say the partnership is about more than helping coaches. The organization hopes to establish a long-term development pipeline that gives local athletes an opportunity to progress from youth soccer all the way to the professional level.

"Our goal is can we share those practices and share our experience with the guys in Yuma, so that we can set up programs that the kids will get a lot out of," Phoenix Rising FC's director of development Neil Graham said. "Part of our general [goal] across the board is to provide a direct pathway for kids that play on our youth side, a direct route into that pro team."

Graham said Phoenix Rising representatives are planning a trip to Yuma within the next week to gain a better understanding of the local soccer landscape and continue building the relationship with Freedom FC.

Registration for Freedom FC remains open through Sept. 21 for interested youth athletes. To sign up for the ream you can go here.