Everton have unveiled a partnership with Global Football America that will give American supporters of the Merseyside club greater access to tickets, travel packages and merchandise.
The venture was announced on Everton's official website where Goalkeeper Tim Howard announced that the blues would be officially supporting EvertonUSA which oversees various supporters groups in the United States. This makes Everton the first European Club to give American supporters access to "...exclusive match day tickets".
Everton has always enjoyed the best fans in the Premier League and Evertonians in the States have lived up to that standard. So join the US Toffees at EvertonUSA.net and help us make Everton America’s Team.
This is a very smart move by Everton to carve out a place in the growing American soccer community. With World Cup viewership increasing and the United States' domestic league, Major League Soccer experiencing fantastic growth, Everton no doubt will look to capitalize on soccer's popularity in the States.
Everton have always enjoyed a solid amount of American support due to the likes of Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, Brian McBride and others, but this venture should open up new opportunities for the club as they look to grow spread their brand.
It would also appear that since merchandise was a part of the new deal, that all things Everton will be much easier to come by. There's no shortage of Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid merchandise in the States, but coming across an Everton gear this side of the Atlantic is not the easiest of feats (unless you want to pay absurd international shipping rates).
There is already a new website up and running for those interseted. Tickets and gear can be purchased and you can view a directory of supporters groups across the United States to find a group in your city.