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Silver Spring, MD – Earlier in the season, Real Maryland FC made the announcement that it had formed a partnership with Real Sporting de Gijón who plays in La Liga, Primera Division of Spain. The Spanish club was established June 1, 1905 in Gijón, Asturias. Known as the Rojiblancos because of their red and white striped jerseys, their home field is El Molinon Stadium.

The partnership focused on multiple aspects of player and club development. One the highlights for Real Maryland FC, was that there would be four spots reserved for their youth players in the Real Sporting Gijon Summer Academy. At the Monarch’s discretion, the club would be able to send over youth players from its Super Y League Programs. The spots at the academy included tuition, room and board.

Three players have been identified by the Real Maryland FC Organization. The three players that best represent the Monarchs Super Y League Programs currently both on and off of the pitch are Sean Cowdrey, Carlos Canas and Jony Karahbetyan. All three boys are members of the Real Maryland FC SYL U14 Team coached by Matt Pilkington.

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for the boys,” said Coach Pilkington. “They are getting what every player dreams about, going over to Europe and getting a look.” They will stay at the Sporting Gijon facilities that are located right on the Club’s training ground from August 9th – August 15th.

The three players came to Real Maryland FC from OBGC Soccer and the Calverton Soccer Club located in Maryland. Sean and Jony came to play with the Monarchs Super Y League U14 Team after playing in the spring with the OBGC U13 Rangers squad who captured the U13 #1 National Ranking this year. Carlos joined the Monarchs after playing with the U14 Calverton Revolution. He originally joined Real Maryland FC at the U14 age level, but was then elevated to train and play with the Monarchs Super Y League U17 Team under Head Coach Roger Fernandez.

Real Maryland FC is looking to continue to develop these young ambassadors of the game, by launching its own youth travel teams in addition to the Super Y League Teams. The club has put together a U10 Boys Travel Team to play this fall starting in September. Tryouts for the U10 Monarchs Travel Team is Saturday, August 15th at 2 pm. They will be held on the stadium floor where the Professional Monarchs Team plays.

Real Maryland FC is hoping to continue the youth movement, with the introduction of more youth travel teams in the spring in the age groups of 10-17. To Sign up for the U10 Travel Team tryouts or for more information regarding the new Real Maryland FC Travel Teams, please contact .

Real Maryland FC participates in the Second Division of the United Soccer Leagues. All 2009 Regular Season Home Games will be played at Lester Stadium at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD. For more information, please visit realmaryland.us or contact General Manager David Noyes at (301) 933-6460.

Real Maryland FC Sends Three Players to Spain