The San Jose Earthquakes have made the youth system a priority in recent years and have already begun to reap the benefits.
Earlier this season, the team completed their organizational pyramid by agreeing to a multi-year USL affiliate partnership with Reno 1868 FC. The partnership is similar to the one with Sacramento Republic FC that spanned from 2014-16, but differs in one key area: San Jose maintains a much higher level of control with the roster and tactical decisions. Reno head coach Ian Russell was also a longtime Quakes assistant coach and builds a tremendous bridge from one club to another.