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MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Friday, January 24, 2014) -Sky Blue FC, in conjunction with Georgian Court University, announced today an exclusive partnership to make the university the club's "Official Training Grounds" for the 2014 NWSL Season.
Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are extremely pleased to announce the formation of this ground-breaking partnership between Sky Blue FC and Georgian Court University," Sky Blue FC President and General Manager Tony Novo said. "In considering a training location, we were looking for not only first class facilities, but also a partner that we could grow with and GCU is a fantastic fit."
Founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy, the university sits on a 156-acre campus in Lakewood, N.J. The convenient location is just minutes from the Jersey Shore and sits midway between Philadelphia and New York City.
"Georgian Court University is thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity to serve as the official training site of Sky Blue FC," Georgian Court University Athletic Director Laura Liesman said. "With our state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful campus, and easy access to the area's top locales, GCU serves as the ideal training destination."
Through the partnership, Sky Blue FC will have full access to all GCU facilities including the GCU Wellness Center (state-of-the-art athletics building), Investors Savings Bank Field (main game field), and additional practice fields. The GCU Wellness Center features a fitness center, athletic training room, hydro room, locker rooms, team meeting space, player lounges, a café, a library, and more.
"The partnership with Georgian Court University is an exciting opportunity for our club and will provide a professional training center for our players and staff," Sky Blue FC Head Coach Jim Gabarra said. "We all look forward to working with the University."
GCU competes at the NCAA Division II level and is a member of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. The school proudly offers 14 varsity sports, including women's soccer.
"To welcome Sky Blue FC to the Georgian Court University family is such a thrill," GCU Women's Head Coach Jim Moore said. "Having some of the best athletes in the world on our campus will produce tremendous excitement to the GCU community and the surrounding areas. I look forward to seeing the impact this will have on our university, as well as the continued growth of women's soccer in the Jersey Shore."
