Anthony’s making Rapid progress Stateside

Anthony Hudson is raring to go in his debut season as manager of Real Maryland in the United States and has already pulled off a coup ahead of the new season.

The former West Ham youngster has created a name for himself Stateside with his innovative coaching practices, which has led to him becoming one of the youngest coaches in the game at the ripe old age of 27.

Pre-season is looming for Hudson and his new charges with a host of new signings on the way after a mass end of season clear out.

However, not only has Hudson been working overtime on improving the playing side for Real Maryland he is also putting building blocks in place to enhance the infrastructure.

Real Maryland will be competing in United Soccer Leagues division two this term after relegation last year handed Hudson the opportunity to create waves this term.

But Hudson has set up a ground-breaking link with Colorado Rapids to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal and Mexican Premier Division side Pachua.

This collaborative agreement will focus on the development of young players from both sides in addition to other best practice exchanges between the clubs.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the Colorado Rapids and Real Maryland FC,” said Rapids head coach Gary Smith. “Both clubs will benefit enormously in a relationship based on the identification, recruitment, and development of young players."

Hudson added: "We’re very pleased with this partnership. The state of the game in MLS and USL is such that this kind of support is vital in order to develop players and move forward as clubs. We’re looking forward to a positive relationship with the Rapids."

This new partnership will allow Real Maryland FC to serve as a developmental training ground for higher-level endeavours and act as a feeder club for talented players to come to the Rapids. Selected Rapids players will also have the opportunity to go and compete with Real Maryland FC.

The agreement also includes future exhibition matches between the two clubs, as well as shadowing opportunities for the Real Maryland FC coaching staff in Colorado.

The Rapids have competed in the MLS since 1996 and by building this relationship it helps to improve the quality of football both in the MLS, the United Soccer Leagues (USL) and at the grassroots level of America.
Hudson is putting the finishing touches to his squad and is cautiously optimistic that his new signings will have a real impact this term.

Givemefootball will keep you up to speed with excusive Anthony Hudson interviews throughout his inaugural campaign as a 27-year-old head coach…