Turkish side Galatasaray Sports Club announced this morning a partnership with Phoenix Rising FC. In a translated press release, the perpetual Super Lig contenders referenced a three-fold collaboration which will include special projects, commercial, and sport development.

“It is envisaged to work on the discovery and training of young players in the sporting sense, friendly matches and tournaments, international organization, coach and executive training, and the introduction of Galatasary products in the USA,” the club said in the press release.

Club Governor Berke Bakay has longstanding ties with Galatasaray SC, a club with 21 top-flight domestic championships, and currently ranked sixty-seventh in UEFA. Bakay utilized his ties to the team to induce now-owner Didier Drogba to join the team for the final two years of his storied career. The Ivorian striker spent two seasons in Istanbul between stints at Chelsea.

Berke, in a later Phoenix Rising press release, said “As a Turkish native and lifelong Galatasaray member, I am incredibly honored Galatasaray has made such a significant commitment to help us improve Phoenix Rising FC and bring its proven youth soccer development approach to the United States, This partnership will help us create international game experiences and an enhanced path to the very top of European professional soccer for our players.”

9:15 AM Article updated with information from Phoenix Rising FC Press release.