Pacesetter Villa Super 20 will wear Aston Villa's kit for their inaugural season in the Super 20 League, the premier league for players aged 17-20 in the US and Canada. Chief executive Paul Faulkner said on the club's website: "We're very happy to support Pacesetter Soccer Club and we wish Pacesetter Villa Super 20 every success when the season kicks off in May.

"The club already have strong links with the US, with Brad Guzan our current number one goalkeeper and Brad Friedel, among others, also having played an important role for us in recent times.

"We hope that an association such as this could pave the way for other American players to join Villa in the future."

Jimmy Walker, executive director of coaching at the Toledo club, added: "The partnership is an exciting opportunity for both Pacesetter Soccer Club and Aston Villa.

"Aston Villa are one of the top five teams in the history of the English Premier League and it is fantastic for the Ohio community and American Soccer that this link has been formed."