Stoke City Football Club, Austin Aztex and the United Soccer Leagues (USL) held their inaugural press conference today and immediately went about outlining the strategy for the future.

The people that gathered for the conference in Austin, Texas heard how the clubs will look to build a strong relationship via an "Official Partnership Program" to ensure that the new club is something that the locals of Austin can be proud of.

The Aztex will also proactively scout for playing talent locally in Central Texas and further a field in the rest of the USA, acting as a feeder club for young talent for the Potters.

City, meanwhile, will then send upto two of the youngsters in their squad to Austin to play for the Aztex each season.

Stoke City will also travel to Austin for either a post-season or pre-season tour and will conduct a training camp for local youngsters while over in the States.

Finally, Stoke will host an Austin Aztex youth team for one week every year.

The youth team will train at the Academy here at Stoke and will play several exhibition games against an Academy team of a similar age.

Off the field, and the two clubs will look to share "best practices" in areas such as sales, marketing and promotions.

A coach from the Aztex will also have the opportunity to come to the Britannia Stadium and shadow a member of the coaching staff for a week each year.

Phil Rawlins and USL Chief Operating Officer Tim Holt breaking the news in Austin, Texas yesterday.

Phil, pictured above, speaking to the national and international press following the press conference in the USA yesterday.