Team employees relieved by deal

Real Salt Lake's dozens of staff members were finally able to enjoy a relaxing night's sleep late Saturday night. Not only was the Real Madrid logistical headache over with, but more importantly, they now had job security.

"I know it's weighed on everyone's mind," said RSL coach John Ellinger. "I know they all feel the way I do, that a baby grand piano's weight is off our shoulders."

Saturday's announcement that a deal on the $150 million Sandy stadium had been reached means that everyone from Real's receptionist to CEO Dean Howes no longer has to stress about relocating to St. Louis or Seattle.

"I don't think anybody spent any time worrying about relocation, but if you think about a change in ownership, which is what would've precipitated that, then everything gets thrown up in the air," said Real general manager Steve Pastorino. "Nobody's jobs are secure."

In addition to the stadium deal, dignitaries made another significant announcement. Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon proudly announced that he and RSL owner Dave Checketts had reached an agreement to develop a joint soccer academy in Utah.

"We're doing it all over the world, and it will be a great honor and great pleasure to do it here," said Calderon.

Checketts is scheduled to visit Madrid, Spain, on Aug. 23 to finalize the details of the academy, the timing of which couldn't be better for Real Salt Lake. Major League Soccer recently approved a program that encourages and rewards franchises for starting youth academies. Those who invest in developing their own youth players will then have first contractual rights to those players when they're ready to turn pro.

"If we put the future of our kids in the hands of coaches and administrators who've been doing this for 100 years at Real Madrid, I think we'll be in pretty good shape," Pastorino said. "But I know this has to have an MLS spin, this has to have an RSL spin. We're not just handing over the keys to them."

A HOPEFUL PLAN: Long before Real Madrid arrived in Salt Lake City, Real Salt Lake was tinkering with its itinerary.

Pastorino said attention was paid to every detail except for three hours Saturday afternoon. Checketts always had a vision that Real Madrid's David Beckham could help put the first shovel in the ground for the stadium groundbreaking ceremony, but up until late Friday night, no one was sure it would actually happen.