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RSL-AZ ANNOUNCES NEW WORLD-CLASS TRAINING COMPLEX

By RSL-AZ, 03/26/21, 2:45PM MST

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Real Salt Lake’s Youth Development Partner Sets Standard Among MLS NEXT Initiative

 

HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, March 26, 2021) – Real Salt Lake alongside RSL-AZ announced today the opening of the RSL-AZ Training Centerin partnership with Paloma Sports Complex located in Mesa, Arizona. The facility will be the permanent home of RSL-AZ, providing a world-class training and match environment for its teams and community ahead of the MLS NEXT’s inaugural season in 2021 and the ECNL 2021/22 season.

 

Located on South Sossaman Road in Mesa, just minutes away from major highways, the Paloma facility spans over 22 acres. With three full-size soccer fields, three 9v9 fields, a covered training area, a fully equipped fitness room with a full-time Physical Therapy Clinic, and indoor futsal courts, Paloma is Arizona's premier soccer training centers.


"A first-class training facility is a key asset for our club and a crucial part in reaching our goal to develop world-class athletes and soccer players. We are excited to be working with Paloma and expand our soccer footprint in the community," RSL-AZ Executive Director Brent Erwin said. "We took time to identify a site that worked with all of our short and long-term objectives for the club, and we are confident that the Paloma location is an excellent fit for our members."

 

The facility will hold open training sessions, league games, tournaments as well as host visiting regional and national clubs across a wide-ranging set of age groups. 

 

Paloma will be home to the club's MLS NEXT U-13 through U-19 teams and club staff.

 

"We are extremely excited to have our new facility to assist in expediting the development of our players,” MLS NEXT Academy DirectorMike Kraus said. “It is all encompassing which allows our Club to have holistic environment for our MLS Next players to challenge themselves. Whether utilizing the weight room, all-purpose turf area, gym, fields or study hall area, the young men and women are able to have support in all aspects essential for elite athletes.”

 

“This facility will significantly enhance our player's experience here at the club. It has been a vision for the program and we look forward, with support of our families, to continuing to provide a great home. As we look at the facility, from the fields to the indoor areas, it allows a professional environment unlike any other in the valley. All of which will continue to propel our girl’s program forward,” added Utah Royals FC AZ Academy and ECNL/ECRL Director Tiffany Roberts.

 

“Paloma Sports Complex further enhances our development initiatives in Arizona with an elite, permanent facility for RSL-AZ and its teams to call home,” RSL General Manager Elliot Fall added. “The continued investment in high-level youth development will provide great benefits for both our club and the youth soccer community in Arizona.”

 

Additional highlights of the training ground include:

  • Full-service on-site kitchen with direct access to futsal pitches/ basketball courts.
  • Player/parents lounge. 
  • Soccer operations and administrative offices 
  • Second-floor balcony and lounge area that overlooks the futsal pitches
  • Storage equipment areas   
  •  

“We believe that our collaboration with RSL-AZ strengthens our commitment to connect sports organizations, families, and businesses that desire to see the community enhanced with a sports venue that brings structure, balance, and opportunity for growth to those in our community,” President of Paloma Sports Complex Jim Ball said. “We love the work ethic of Brent Erwin and his team, and I believe this is only the beginning of wonderful possibilities as our organizations grow together.”

 

RSL-AZ Competitive and Recreational teams will also use the facilities on a regular basis while leveraging multiple training fields in the Phoenix Greater Area.

 

For more information on the RSL-AZ Training Facility at the Paloma Sports Complex visit: https://www.rsl-az.com/trainingcenter.