LASK has agreed on a long-term strategic partnership with AFC Ajax. The collaboration aims to support player development and talent promotion. The partnership will enable LASK to benefit from Ajax's expertise in training methodology and player development, as well as regular and direct knowledge exchange. This will ensure that LASK can make the most of the opportunities in the voestalpine Performance Academy for the LASK Academy and the second team, and take the next steps in the development of young potential players. The continuous exchange of knowledge and information will also extend to scouting, thanks to the collaboration with other partner clubs such as CF Pachuca or Club Leon from Mexico, Real Oviedo in Spain, Como 1907 from Italy, or Gamba Osaka from Japan. This network will help to open up new perspectives in talent identification. Another highlight is the participation of LASK Academy players in international tournaments. So, the youngsters Lukas Bozsoki and Jakob Wansch were in action for Future United at the Future Cup in Amsterdam from 29 March to 6 April – a team made up of selected players from all partner clubs. Notably, Wansch played all games over the full distance. The two were able to measure themselves against top teams like Ajax, Paris SG or Sporting Lissabon and finished the tournament in third place. The partnership also opens up opportunities beyond the sporting area: Both clubs are already exchanging in selected organisational and economic areas to learn from each other and exploit synergies. This also includes the areas of Hospitality and Matchday-Experience, in which LASK will pass on its experiences. Marijn Beuker, Director of Football, AFC Ajax: „This partnership underlines our claim to build strong relationships with clubs that share a clear vision for player development. With LASK, we see a partner who has committed to growth, innovation and creating optimal conditions for player and staff development. The inclusion of two LASK players in the Future-United team at the Future Cup in Amsterdam last weekend was a strong first example of how this collaboration works in practice. LASK's strategic location in central Europe makes this partnership particularly valuable for our talent identification in the region. Through the exchange of knowledge, the strengthening of development paths and collaboration in talent scouting, we are convinced that we can take new paths in player development together.