Hibs have announced a partnership with USL Championship side Charleston Battery, joining Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen in linking up with clubs from abroad.
The two clubs will trade players as part of the deal, with former Rangers youth Robbie Crawford and Trinidad and Tobago U20 defender Leland Archer set to train with Jack Ross ' side during the American off-season.
Hibs say the arrangement will see the clubs collaborate on a number of matters including 'player development, scouting efforts, operational efficiency and community engagement.'
“We are delighted and excited by this partnership. It brings together two clubs with shared values on and off the pitch, in a way that will help us both to achieve our aspirations," chairman Ron Gordon told the Hibs website.
"Looking at ways we can work together, be smarter, expand our networks and learn from each other is only going to be a good thing.”
Celtic have a longstanding youth football partnership with Australian club Redlands United, while Rangers announced similar agreements with Indian side Bengaluru FC and American club Orange County FC in 2019.
Aberdeen, meanwhile, are affiliated with MLS high-fliers Atalanta United, as more and more Scottish clubs look to expand their operations abroad.
Battery play in the second tier of US football, and their COO Mike Kelleher added: “It provides a stepping stone for our players who have potential to perform at some of the highest levels of European soccer.
“And to welcome players from Hibernian to share their expertise and train with our players here in Charleston, we couldn’t ask for a better partner to expand our international scouting network. From a professional standpoint, it provides a pathway for players on both sides to grow immensely.”
