Bridgeview, Ill. – The Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer and the Chicago Red Eleven, playing its inaugural season as a member of the W-League, have announced an affiliation agreement between the two organizations. With the agreement, the Red Eleven becomes the exclusive amateur affiliate of the Red Stars, as well as the team's exclusive W-League affiliate in the state of Illinois. The affiliation agreement will not only involve player personnel development, but also strives to build a strong tie that fosters the growth of women's soccer in the Chicagoland area and the entire state of Illinois. Among the two organizations’ synergies will be cross promotions involving signage at both teams' home games, merchandise sales, player appearances, web site links and participation in youth camps and clinics. Another component of the agreement will be an exhibition game between the Red Stars and Red Eleven, tentatively scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 30 at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill., the Red Eleven's home match venue. The affiliation agreement is a winning proposition for all concerned, according to Red Stars General Manager Marcia McDermott. “The Chicago Red Stars are happy to partner with the Red Eleven,” McDermott said. “This agreement provides a fantastic opportunity to help expand the reach of women’s soccer in Illinois. We look forward to working with the club and its fans to increase awareness and participation in our sport.” Red Eleven owner Ted Gradel echoed McDermott’s sentiments about the agreement. "The Red Eleven is proud and excited about our affiliation with the Red Stars," said Gradel. "They are a first-class organization and are committed to doing things the right way. I believe this will be great for women's soccer in this region and for the fan base of both organizations. There will be lots of mutually beneficial opportunities for fans and the community, thanks to this affiliation agreement."