MANAGER Eddie Howe has described as an “ideal start for us” Cherries’ historic pre-season friendly against Philadelphia Union.

Cherries will embark on a nine-day training camp to America, culminating in a warm-up game against the Major League Soccer outfit at their PPL Park headquarters on Tuesday, July 14.

The trip will also see Howe’s squad use the state-of-the-art facilities at the NovaCare training complex in Pennsylvania, which is the training base for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Chairman Jeff Mostyn has been instrumental in forging links between the clubs with Cherries due to fly to America a week after the players report back at the end of June.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It is something we are looking forward to. As the club has grown and with the success we have had in recent years so have our pre-season tours.

“Jeff has a really good tie-up with Philadelphia and has some good contacts there. This has been brought together by him and we are grateful to Philadelphia for all the help they have given us in allowing us to use their facilities.

“The game will be special because making sure we get pre-season right is going to be so important. MLS is growing all the time and is one of the biggest emerging leagues in world football.

“I have no doubt about the test it will bring. Considering they are in mid-season, it is going to be an ideal game for us.”

Philadelphia Union are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference of MLS which was launched in 1996 following the success of the World Cup in America two years previously.

Cherries’ trip is due to coincide with Liverpool and England star Steven Gerrard making his debut for LA Galaxy in the International Champions Cup against Mexico’s Club America.

“I cannot think of a more fitting location than Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States of America, to play our first overseas match as a Barclays Premier League club,” chairman Mostyn told the club website.

“I sincerely hope that the fixture at PPL Park on July 14 will be the start of a long and successful relationship between our two clubs.”

The Union squad includes United States star Maurice Edu, former Argentina under-20 international Cristian Maidana and Venezuelan forward Fernando Aristeguieta, who is on loan from Nantes.

“We’re truly excited to welcome a club that has overcome long odds to achieve a great amount of success in such a short period of time,” said Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz.

“Bournemouth epitomises what hard work and dedication can accomplish and, personally, I couldn’t be happier to continue a great relationship with their club. From everyone here on our entire staff, we look forward to hosting a great match at PPL Park on July 14.”

Tickets for the match will be on sale at www.philadelphiaunion.com.