Team set for visit to China

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers plan to spend two weeks in China ahead of the 2016 season, where they’ll play in exhibition matches and also hold a tryout for prospective players.

Strikers part owner and former Brazilian star Ronaldo will be along for the trip, which was announced Thursday.

Scheduled to leave Feb. 28 and return March 12, the Strikers will become the first North American Soccer League team to visit China in nearly four decades.

“The Strikers are a global brand and our upcoming trip to China highlights the lofty ambitions of the club,” Strikers Managing Director Luis Cuccatti said in a statement. “We believe in growing our brand and exposing our players and fans to the best soccer has to offer.”

Dates of friendly matches on the trip are to be released at a later time.

While in China, the Strikers and Ronaldo’s R9 Academy will team up to host a tryout, with one participant to be selected to earn a contract with the Strikers.

Last November, Ronaldo announced his intention to open 30 academies in China.

“Ronaldo and the Strikers see immense, untapped potential in China,” Cuccatti said. “The sport has grown exponentially in the country and our goal with the tryout is to provide Chinese players an opportunity to join the Strikers. ...”

The Strikers open the 2016 NASL season April 2 with a home match against Miami FC at Lockhart Stadium.