With Everton looking to return to the US this summer, the Blues have further increased their American ties through a new partnership with FC Highland, a thriving youth football academy in Florida.
Last month, Everton announced that they were exploring their options to potentially return to the USA as part of their pre-season plans for the 2022/23 campaign.
In the meantime they have joined forces with FC Highland and the Orlando-based club will become a part of Everton’s International Academy Affiliate programme (EIAAP), with the two clubs working together on curriculum sharing, player development and coach education, among other ventures.
The link-up follows initial talks during the summer of 2021, when Everton visited the US for the Florida Cup and met with officials from FC Highland to discuss joint club values and a shared vision.
The EIAAP initiative provides clubs at all tiers of the game with access to the finest coaching knowledge from Everton’s renowned Academy to support the growth of each club – a level of support that sets it apart from more traditional models.
These include:
- Full access to the Everton Academy curriculum
- Weekly support from a dedicated Everton Academy coach
- Holistic approach to player, coach and club development, offering technical support from USM Finch Farm and Business and marketing support from the Royal Liver Building.
Everton International Technical Lead, Paddy Byrne, will visit FC Highland later this year to assist in sharing the Everton Academy curriculum and teaching methods used at Finch Farm along with working with the club closely to develop both player and coaching skills.
In turn, this provides FC Highland further knowledge and resources to assist with the club’s goal to develop the stars of tomorrow in Florida and the United States of America.
Staff from FC Highland, which is already affiliated with Florida Youth Soccer Association and US Club Soccer, will have the opportunity to visit to Finch Farm – the home of Everton men, women and academy teams - for education and training.
Formed in 2020 and led by current and ex professional and international players, FC Highland’s development programme works with promising young players across Florida between the ages of five and 18.
CEO and former New Zealand international Jeremy Christie, who represented his country in the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup both in South Africa, heads up the team, which includes ex-Jamaican international Giles Barnes, who enjoyed spells in England with Derby County and West Bromwich Albion, Toni Pressley of Orlando Pride and fellow NWSL star Kristen Edmonds, who plays for Kansas City Current.
The Academy also boasts several high-profile club ambassadors, including Brazilian legend Marta and current MLS player Dom Dwyer.
FC Highland’s affiliation marks the next phase in their growth and ambition to produce the next generation of US stars.
CEO Jeremy Christie said: “I’m extremely excited for us to become an affiliate partner of the Everton international Academy.
“They are one of the most storied clubs in the history of English football and the resources they use on developing players makes their academy one of the best in the world and we can’t wait to learn from them, so that we can provide the same development experience for our players.
“Having access to Everton’s training methods and curriculum, coupled with the coaches we have at our club – a number of who have played, or are playing professionally – and having the exclusive use of the best soccer facility in central Orlando at Trotters Park, is going to allow us to provide the best environment for young players to develop and reach their potential. We can’t wait to get started.”
Everton International Technical Lead, Paddy Byrne, added: “We are delighted to welcome FC Highland as a partner club to Everton’s International Academy Affiliate programme.
“I’m excited to work alongside Jeremy and his coaching team, many of whom have had long professional careers.
“By sharing our values and coaching methods we will further enhance both our affiliate programme and FC Highland, all while strengthening Everton’s bond within central Florida.
“I am sure this will prove a fruitful partnership for both clubs going forwards and we can’t wait to get started.”
Everton now has more than 55 supporters’ clubs across the US and last week, manager Frank Lampard thanked North American Evertonians for the welcome letter they sent him following his appointment.
To find out more, visit www.EvertonInternationalAcademy.com
