NEW JERSEY (Thursday, February 11) – Match Fit Chelsea today announced the launch of the Match Fit Chelsea Alliance, one of the most integrated partnerships in American youth soccer, with New Jersey youth soccer clubs.

Joining Match Fit Chelsea in the Match Fit Chelsea Alliance is the New Jersey Rangers Soccer Club. The New Jersey Rangers is a premier club in Northern New Jersey catering to the areas top girls and boys. Established in 2001, the club is currently home to over 350 players spanning 18 teams.

"This partnership is a positive step in our continued efforts to identify, develop and promote players within our Academy structure," said Match Fit Chelsea Technical Director Malcolm Murphy.

"The Match Fit Chelsea Alliance will give our partnering clubs’ membership’s full access to our Development Academy. The development and education instituted within the Match Fit Chelsea Alliance will not only be on the player level, but we will also share in coaching resources and philosophies that will move us all forward together. We are excited about this opportunity and are looking forward to a long lasting relationship with each of our affiliates," said Match Fit Chelsea Director of Operations John R. Calcaterra.

"This kind of proactive movement based on our established Academy/Development Centre model is exactly how we anticipated our U.S. partnership agreement would work. Via our International Technical Development Program we will continue to support Match Fit in their efforts to enhance the ability of players and coaches at every level throughout their Alliance structure," said Jeff Bookman Head of International Youth Football Development Chelsea Football Club

The Match Fit Chelsea Alliance was established to create a working relationship between existing clubs that will benefit soccer development through shared resources and encouraging players to stay in their home clubs in the U8-U14 age groups. Those players will have direct access to the Match Fit Chelsea U14/U16/U18 Development Academy teams through visible scouting, direct coaching, and curriculum ties.

The New Jersey Rangers recent acquisition of two amateur adult level teams through the United Soccer Leagues will provide both clubs the top of the pyramid approach to professional development. “The PDL and W-League teams put the top players on a fast track to the professional ranks in this country,” commented New Jersey Rangers Executive Director Andy Rotsides.

“This alliance will allow our club to continue to grow in the northern New Jersey area. We look forward to working alongside the Match Fit Chelsea staff and give our current members the chance to further their soccer experiences,” added New Jersey Rangers President Aaron Balber. “The relationship between our two clubs brings the potential to expand our exposure to the surrounding community and help identify the top players.”

Match Fit Chelsea Alliance clubs will also have exclusive access to educational events, camps/clinics with Chelsea FC (UK).