Aberdeen aim to further extend their global reach by agreeing a partnership with KR Reykjavik.
The Dons have signed a two-year deal with the Icelandic football's oldest and most successful club in a move which mirrors their current collaboration with Californian side Allstars United. A range of mutual commercial benefits will see both clubs share knowledge, experience, and expertise to help the Icelandic club develop its income streams, facilities, coaching, community outreach and fan engagement.
The Pittodrie club have already sealed a long-term strategic relationship with MLS outfit Atlanta United and will work alongside KR Reykjavik with plans which include hosting their players and coaches at Cormack Park. Aberdeen coaches will also assist with the Urvalsdeild side in hosting an annual Summer Football School in Iceland. It's another partnership agreement for the Reds which has been hailed by their commercial director as a sign of his club's growing stature in youth development.
He said: “This is an excellent example of the type of partnership Aberdeen FC is keen to facilitate and foster with clubs across the world. It’s testament to the reputation we are gaining in Europe for our youth development and coaching, our award-winning Community Trust and our innovative commercial models.
“There is strong interest in Scottish football in Iceland and, after initially reaching out to the Icelandic League, KR made an approach to us which has now led to today’s announcement We’re really excited to be working with KR and to seeing the partnership not only enhance their football, community and commercial operations but also allow for shared learning and initiatives that will benefit our coaches, sponsors and commercial partners.”
KR Reykjavik chairman Páll Kristjánsson also echoed that satisfaction at getting the agreement signed and sealed. He said: “We’re delighted to sign this agreement today. Aberdeen FC and KR Reykjavik are two iconic professional football clubs from the North Atlantic region.
"Both clubs were formed around the same time and have achieved domestic league and cup success while also having landmark moments in European football. More recently, both clubs share similar aspirations for growth and success. With new stadium plans in place and an appetite to increase levels of fan engagement, there are considerable synergies between us.”
The news comes after Jim Goodwin 's team landed Benfica striker Luis Lopes yesterday. He signs a three-year deal as the Dons put the cash earned from Lewis Ferguson 's sale to good use.
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