Austin Aztex kick off their inaugural United Soccer League (USL) campaign in under three weeks time and stokecityfc.com will be following them right the way through the season, starting on April 17^th as they play host to Minnesota Thunder.

City Director Phil Rawlins set up the new franchise just over one year ago, and following the immediate success of their Under 23 side last year, hopes are high for a repeat performance from their first teamers this time around.

Manager Adrian Heath has spent the past months assembling a squad of players which he believes are capable of big things, and with the high profile arrivals of the likes of former City striker Gifton Noel-Williams and ex Manchester United trainee Eddie Johnson, there are more reasons than not for high optimism.

The success of Wolfgang Suhnholz's Under 23 side last term, which saw them crowned Premier Development League (PDL) Mid-South Division champions, has also reaped even more rewards after a number of the German Coaches top performers have since moved up to Heath's senior side.

Speaking ahead of the campaign, Rawlins told Potters Magazine that he is excited about the challenge which lies ahead, but is aware of the differences from last year's PDL season.

"The biggest differences will be the quality of the competition and the travel," he said.

"We are playing some very good teams this year and we will have to be strong to compete.

"The travel schedule is really tough; we have games from Canada to Puerto Rico. It's like playing in a pan-European League!"

You can keep up with all the news on the Aztex both here at stokecityfc.com and at austinaztex.com.