Burnley have today formed a partnership with League of Ireland First Division side Cobh Ramblers.
And the Premier League outfit have also teamed up with Irish League side Portadown, Ayr United from the Scottish Championship and Welsh side Llandudno.
According to the Clarets, the arrangement will aid coach and player development and also allow Burnley to widen its scouting network across the four countries.
The most talented young players from each club will travel to Burnley on a regular basis for football camps and assessment.
Academy and women’s teams from the four clubs will also compete in pre-season summer games and tournaments at Burnley.
And some of Burnley’s academy players could move to Cobh Ramblers on loan for first-team experience.
Burnley chairman Alan Pace said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to grow Burnley’s footprint and profile in every corner of the British Isles.
“We look forward to developing a strong working relationship with Ayr United, Cobh Ramblers, Portadown and Llandudno.
“This is very much the first step in our plans to expand the football network of Burnley, build the relevance of our club beyond the North West of England.”
Pace continued: “The development of coaches will be central to Burnley’s work at the partner clubs.
“Working closely with Burnley and their coaches, we will endeavour to see the likes of a Stephen Ireland or a Roy Keane grace the field in the Premier League once again.”
