Real Sociedad sign three-season partnership with Ermua Blues in Bizkaia | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have agreed a partnership with Bizkaian club Ermua Blues, extending their youth reach into a region traditionally dominated by Athletic Club.

The club said in a statement that the agreement will run for the next three seasons and brings Ermua Blues into its network of affiliated sides.

It becomes Real Sociedad’s only current partner in Bizkaia. Based next to Eibar in Gipuzkoa, Ermua gives Zubieta’s scouts a fresh lookout to attract prospects from both provinces.

Founded in 2012, Ermua Blues has grown quickly. The club now oversees around 400 players across 23 teams at youth levels, a pool that could further supply Real’s academy.

The move adds a new chapter to the contest over Basque youth development. Historically it went the other way, with Lezama fishing in Gipuzkoa through the long-discussed Antiguoko link.

Real already maintain ties beyond Gipuzkoa with Ariznabarra and San Viator in Vitoria, and with Berceo, Calahorra, Haro Sport Club and Valvanera in La Rioja. Ermua Blues is their first Bizkaian affiliate.

Source: Diario Vasco