Stoke are to be one of the first clubs to form an affiliation with an American team after director Phil Rawlings bought a franchise in Austin.British-born Rawlings, who now lives in Austin, has aquired the franchise for the Austin Aztex, a new club that will play in the United Soccer Leagues from next season.

And the Aztex will have an official affiliation with Stoke that will entail them holding their pre-season training camps in the Texas city, scouting for talent both locally and across the US and exchanging players with the Aztex.

Rawlings said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring a top-class professional soccer franchise to Austin.

"Central Texas has long been a hot-bed of young soccer talent with over 35,000 kids playing the game locally.

"Today's announcement gives these youngsters and talented players throughout Texas something to aim for and the chance of playing soccer at the very highest level.

"I am very excited about the affiliation agreement with Stoke and the European exposure that gives both the Aztex and our players. My goal is to make the Aztex a community-based club that makes Austin proud."

Meanwhile Potters chief executive Tony Scholes welcomed the link-up with the new side, saying: "Working with someone that we know and respect like Phil Rawlins, in a booming soccer marketplace like the States, made our official affiliation an easy decision for Stoke City.

"We feel certain that the Aztex will be a major success both in Austin and across the U.S., and look forward to a long and mutually profitable relationship between Stoke City and the Austin Aztex."

The Axtex, who will now search for a new coach, will play against teams from all across North America, including Montreal, Atlanta, Minnesota, Vancouver and Miami.

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