Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has announced a partnership with Ridgeland Athletic Academy, focusing on coach education, player development, fundraising and more.

“We are thrilled to partner with a local up-and-coming soccer program,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Director of Community Relations Terri Lee. “Ridgeland Athletic Academy has passionate leaders who embrace new opportunities to develop their coaches and players. Partnering with youth organizations is a top priority of ours, and we are excited to have Ridgeland join the Red Wolves family.”     

The Ridgeland Athletic Academy was formed in the fall of 2018 with the goal of uniting North Walker County as one community under the umbrella of Ridgeland High School. The organization’s vision is to create community-minded student athletes who participate in more than just sports. 

According to Ridgeland Athletic Academy Soccer Commissioner Alex Fordney, a partnership with the Red Wolves provides a tremendous opportunity for the young players in the organization’s program.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to learn from an experienced Coach like Tim Hankinson and the talented roster he’s built,” said Fordney. “This partnership will create amazing learning experiences and open up many more competitive avenues for youth soccer in North Georgia.”

As a part of the partnership, every player jersey in the program will feature the official Chattanooga Red Wolves SC crest. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson will lead education clinics for coaches, and the Red Wolves roster will be of assistance, too, appearing at practices to aid in the development of youth players.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is delivering fundraising efforts as a piece of the agreement, as well, allowing teams from the associations to directly benefit from Red Wolves SC ticket sales. Beginning in the 2019 season, the organization will have a separate dedicated Chattanooga Red Wolves SC match night per season, on which all youth players wearing their jerseys will be granted free admission.

For more information on Ridgeland Athletic Academy, visit www.ridgelandathleticyouthacademy.com or follow Ridgeland Athletic Youth Academy on Facebook.

The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time.

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.