[PORTLAND TIMBERS] The Portland Timbers have formed an alliance with three prominent Oregon clubs -- Eastside Timbers (formerly Eastside United FC), Vancouver United Timbers (formerly Columbia Timbers) and Westside Timbers (formerly Westside Metros) -- dubbed  the “adidas Timbers Alliance." The Timbers Academy will commence this fall, with teams competing in the U-16 and U-18 age brackets of the Development Academy.

The goal is to help channel the top youth players towards the Timbers’ development programs and the Timbers Academy.

“Each of these clubs shares a passion and a vision for developing youth players and providing elite opportunities for youth,” said Timbers Academy Director Mike Smith. “These clubs are excellent community ambassadors for the sport and excel at player development.”