Clearwater city council members approved a three-year deal to bring Major League Soccer spring training to the city.
The Philadelphia Union will kick off its first spring training camp early next year. The team will train at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, which is located across the street from Bright House Field, where the the Philadelphia Phillies hold spring training.
The Union will begin training on Feb. 2 to prepare for a preseason match against North American Soccer League's Jacksonville Armada FC.
The Union will also play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Feb. 10 before returning home on Feb. 12.
The team will come back to Clearwater at the end of February for a two-week stay to participate in the IMG Tournament in Bradenton, then will return to Philadelphia on Feb. 28 to begin their season.