MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps have announced an affiliation deal with USL Pro side Charleston Battery.
The Canadian outfit and the South Carolina side have entered into an initial one-year agreement which was confirmed by Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi.
"The Battery are a well-respected club with a tradition of success on and off the pitch," said Lenarduzzi in a statement.
"We have a long-standing relationship with the Battery's president Andrew Bell, dating back to our days in the USL First Division, and we are excited to formalize an official partnership.
"This affiliation will greatly benefit the development of our younger players by providing an opportunity for them receive more minutes in a professional environment and as a result it will help with player transition from our Residency and U-23 programs into the first team."
As a result of the partnership, the Whitecaps will not participate in the 2014 MLS Reserve League.
