TAMPA, Fla, May 9th, 2012; The Tampa Bay Rowdies today announced that they have renewed their partnership with Global Premier Soccer’s Portland Phoenix of the Premier Development League.

The two clubs will continue a relationship that began in 2010, with a focus on player development and domestic player recruiting, as well as expanding brand awareness for both clubs throughout North America.

The Rowdies have placed several players on the Portland Phoenix roster over the past two seasons for further evaluation and development. Past Rowdies trialists that have played with the Phoenix include midfielder Kyle Clinton, goalkeeper Will Dieterich, defender Brian Fekete, defender Ryan Griffin and goalkeeper Ryan Thompson.

The Phoenix has first team status within the MPS organization, which previously fielded the Cape Cod Crusaders (Crusaders) PDL franchise. The Crusaders had a long and outstanding reputation of success after winning back-to-back national championships in 2002 and 2003. The Crusaders also established themselves as one of the leading clubs for moving players into the professional ranks in the United States and Europe.

The Phoenix currently competes in the PDL Eastern Conference within the Northeast Division along with clubs such as the Ottawa Fury, Vermont Voltage and New Hampshire Phantoms. In 2011, the Phoenix won the PDL Northeast Division title and will be playing the first round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against the Brooklyn Italians of the NPSL on May 15.

“Global Premier Soccer has had success at all amateur levels and in the PDL,” said Rowdies President/General Manager Andrew Nestor. “The Portland Phoenix and head coach Paul Baber have a similar vision and method for player development which we have refined since 2010, and will help the Rowdies recruit from the college ranks and also further develop players for the Rowdies first team.”

For more information on Maine Premier Soccer, visit their website at www.mainepremiersoccer.com.

The Rowdies return to action this Saturday, May 12 when they host San Antonio at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 813-287-1539 or visit www.RowdiesSoccer.com.