Reading have struck a development agreement with Valdosta Lowndes Soccer Club in southern Georgia, USA.

Valdosta's Chip Harp told Reading's website: "The Valdosta Lowndes Soccer Club (and its competitive arm, Lightning Futbol Club) has grown from a handful of loosely associated teams to an organization now boasting both male and female teams from ages U9 to U18.

"All told, more than 400 kids play soccer under the management of the club through both recreational and competitive programs.

"The club, with only one paid staffer, draws its strength from dozens of volunteer coaches who dedicate their time, effort, and resources to building the best club possible through training and earning their coaching badges in their spare time.

"We regularly compete with many of the largest clubs in the southeast, including large clubs from Atlanta, Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando.

"We are very excited by our link with Reading Football Club and look forward to a very fruitful partnership."