Houston Dynamo announce Gulf Coast United Soccer Club will become part of the Houston Dynamo Juniors youth system.

HOUSTON, TX (Wednesday, May 19, 2010) - The Houston Dynamo are expanding their youth development program throughout the country and are very happy to announce that Gulf coast United Soccer Club will become part of the Dynamo Juniors affiliate program.

"I am very excited the GCUSC will be joining the Houston Dynamo organization. We look forward to working with the club, coaches, volunteers and most of all the players," said James Clarkson - MLS's Houston Dynamo Director of Youth Development.

"Its been 7 years since our first season as Gulf Coast United. We are so proud of what we have accomplished. We started the club with the philosophy that every player should have the chance of meeting their potential by training with the best coaches and competing at the highest level possible," said Paul Martin - Executive Director, Co-DOC Houston Dynamo Jrs Mississippi. "Simply put the best players with the best coaches."

"There are many positives regarding our Club joining with Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo," said Oleg Chickanov, Director of Coaching for the Houston Dynamo Jrs Mississippi. "Our players will have the better opportunities to play at elite youth levels, in college, and possibly even professionally."

Other facts about the program include the following:

• Pre-season MLS games on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
• MLS Camps to be held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
• Opportunities to play in the US Youth Academy Program
• Increased exposure to College Coaches
• Cost for players and families will stay the same
• Development of a U9 and U-10 youth academy
• Participation in the Newly Formed I-10 League

"The best thing of all is that we can offer all of these benefits without increased cost associated with playing Select Soccer," Coach Chic said. "Our top priority was making sure that we did not burden our families with extra fees and expenses."

"For the first time we were regionally competitive," Paul Martin added. "We now have the chance to keep or our club moving forward by affiliating ourselves with the Houston Dynamo of the MLS. This gives our players the opportunity to play at the highest level. This also will strengthen our players opportunities by exposing our coaches and players to a large network of college and professional level coaches. We will be able to send our top players to train with the Houston Dynamo Academy. These teams travel all over the world to compete in the best tournaments. "

"When we started Gulf Coast United I remember there were many people who doubted we would be this successful. I know there are some who feel we might lose our identity by changing our name and colors. This will not happen. We now are part of a professional organization that gives us and our players the best chance to meet their potential. We will always strive to do what is in the best interest of the players. Let's continue to do this and move the game of soccer forward in our community," Martin added. 

"The club has a great history of player development we are able to offer numerous exciting opportunities for all the players and a clear path to the pro's for those players with that dream," Clarkson said.

" There are currently two Dynamo youth players on the first team roster with numerous other on top college programs around the country," Clarkson said. "The Dynamo will strive to make this program successful and enjoyable for everyone."

Other clubs that have joined the Dynamo program include Mobile Soccer Club and a newly formed club in Lafayette, La.

ABOUT THE HOUSTON DYNAMO ACADEMY

The Houston Dynamo Academy , presented by Statoil, consists of the best youth players in the Houston area. The Academy U-18 and U-16 train four days per week in a professional environment and compete in the United States Soccer Development Academy league, the most competitive youth league in the country. The Academy also plays international games, including its first ever European trip in 2009. Historically, the Academy?s top players have been invited to train with the Dynamo first team as opportunities arise throughout the season. Successful Academy graduates can be designated as Dynamo home-grown players and can eventually be promoted directly to the Dynamo first team.

Dynamo Camps are the main source of identification and recruitment for the Dynamo Academy , with the camps held throughout the 2010 season. Visit HoustonDynamo.com/Academy for more information. There will be a Dynamo Camo in Gulfport this summer.

ABOUT THE HOUSTON DYNAMO

The Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer club that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first four seasons and represented the United States in four consecutive regional championships. For more information, log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.