This would not be the first time that a first division Mexican team has ventured into the North American market to connect with Hispanic fans and strengthen its relationship with Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. In 2004 Chivas attempted to gain attention in Los Angeles, California by launching an MLS affiliate, known as Chivas USA, which was active for 9 years.
Xavier Sánchez, Commercial Sales Director, shared the strategic plan to extend the presence of Rayados in the United States, this through a system of tournaments that will begin this year, starting with five up to 10, with the aim that hundreds of Mexican-American or American children can link up with three partner clubs that will exist in the United States to project them to the MLS or return them to Mexico.
Among the tournaments that will be held this year are:
Easter International Cup by Rayados, which will take place from April 5 to 8 in Orlando, Florida, with the participation of more than 250 teams.
Later in May, from the 19th to the 21st, comes the Copa Rayados McAllen, with more than 150 teams.
From July 30 to 2, the Chicago Rayados Cup begins with more than 150 teams.
The East Coast Rayados Cup is scheduled for August 25-27 in Leesburg, Virginia, with more than 200 teams participating.
Finally, from November 22 to 26, the Rayados International Cup will arrive in Woodlands, Texas with more than 300 teams.
According to an analysis carried out by an agency hired by the club, there are about 350,000 fans in the United States, the majority in Texas.
Hand in hand with tournaments, the team seeks through an intensive publicity campaign to reach young Americans.