Super 9 Soccer Announces

Partnership with WHUIA

April 11, 2011 - Super 9 Soccer announces its affiliation with the West Ham United International Academy as a Partner Club. The Academy, based in the UK, prepares and trains young soccer players for professional futures in the sport. They have outreach programs in Asia, Oceania and North America. Super 9 is the only soccer club in western New York State to be affiliated with the Academy, which brings with it ties to European soccer as well as International opportunities for Super 9 trainees.

The International Academy has been established as part of the West Ham United Academy; both are part of the West Ham United Football Club. The academy is one of the most respected youth soccer academies in the world, with alumnae in top levels of professional soccer and under the distinguished direction of Tony Carr. Carr, a coach for over 38 years, recently received an MBE (order of chivalry) from the Queen for his services to soccer. The International Academy aims to develop partnerships and programs in North America as well as share coaching methodology to provide their own professional-level preparation in the United States and Canada.

This summer, four players from Super 9 Soccer will attend the West Ham National Camp, which is invite-only based on identification camps that take place a year in advance West Ham United International Academy Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher said, “The International Academy are delighted to welcome Super 9 Soccer to it’s family of Partner Clubs. We recognize the tradition and history of the game in Rochester, NY and look forward to assisting the players and coaches of this organization in realizing it’s ambitions and dreams.”

The national camp is an intense residential training camp with classes, field training, nutritional advice and expert verbal and written evaluations of the players. Attending the 2011 national camp are Caitlin Bossarte of Fairport, Abby Keenan of Livonia, Riley Barlett of Penfield and Andrew Freeman, also of Livonia. All four play on Super 9 teams and train in the Super 9 School Select academy program. Keenan and Bossarte will attend the camp in Rome, GA from July 10-13 and Barlett and Freeman will attend the following week, July 14-17. A select group of players from the national camp will be invited to attend a 10-day West Ham United Academy Experience in London.

Super 9 will also host an identification camp this summer in Rochester in conjunction with the Shulz Academy of Boca Raton, Florida. The Elite Player ID Camp will be held at Grace & Truth Park on July 27-29. Players interested in qualifying for next year's 2012 West Ham National Camp should attend the West Ham United Elite Player ID Camp. Registration is available online through the West Ham website.

Team Challenger FC of Ohio

Become Partner Club

February 17, 2010 - The West Ham United International Academy today announced a partnership with Team Challenger FC (TCFC) of Medina and Avon, OH.  Team Challenger Director of Coaching Joe Parente says, “This is an amazing opportunity for our kids.  It’s an honor to have been selected for this prestigious program and we have worked extremely hard to deliver quality development opportunities for our kids and this will only enhance that. With their prolific success in developing quality professional footballers, we see nothing but great things for our kids developing from this partnership.” Team Challenger have also announced their West Ham United International Academy Player ID camp for the week of August 9-12th - click here to register.

Darlington School Soccer Academy Become Partner Club and Announce First Residential Player ID Camp

May 13, 2010 - West Ham United International Academy announced a partnership today with the Darlington School Soccer Academy in Rome, Georgia. The Academy was established in 2003 and is the home to 85 players, the majority of which are residents at the school. The Academy prides itself on placing nearly 100% of its players on college scholarships as well as having two former players now playing professionally in Europe.

The Academy is under the direction of Chad A. Liddle, U.S. Soccer National Instructor Staff, NSCAA National Staff Coach, USSF "A" license, Region III ODP Staff. Of the partnership Liddle stated, "We are extremely excited to partner with the West Ham United International Academy, I have been in negotiations with a number of professional soccer clubs concerning a partnership and West Ham ticked all the boxes in terms of benefitting our program at Darlington School."

International Academy Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher said, "The facilities at Darlington School are first class and the setting reminds me of the Lilleshall National Sports Centre in England. We look forward to working with Chad and his coaches as well as holding International Academy events at the school."

West Ham United International Academy Signs 7th Partner Club -

Schulz Academy

December 8th, 2009 - West Ham United International Academy announced their seventh partner club and first in Florida –Schulz Academy.

Schulz Academy is a premier youth soccer academy headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. The club is dedicated to providing the highest level of age appropriate training for kids from ages 4 to 19 and to providing the best competition available for the elite soccer player. In 2007, 2008, and 2009 Schulz Academy was named to Soccer America Magazine’s Top 30 Boys and Girls Club in the United States, the only Florida club to receive that honor in those three years.

The Academy is headed by Dr. Josef Schulz, an "A" Licensed and National Youth Licensed coach. The founder of Schulz Academy, Dr. Schulz is a former professional player from the Austrian premier division who played 418 games at the highest level in the Austrian Bundesliga during their glory days of the late seventies and early eighties. Dr. Schulz is recognized as the top youth coach in the state of Florida and certainly one of the best in the country.

“It is an honor to work with a professional club like West Ham United on the development of young American talents. Through this partnership our most talented players will have the chance to compete with the best talents in England’ says Schulz.

“We are very excited to have started a partnership with one of the most fascinating clubs in the English Premier League. Their outstanding track record of producing world class soccer athletes provides the award-winning youngsters of Schulz Academy with a clear opportunity and path to fulfill their promise in the years to come.”, says Stephan von Lattorff, Director of Marketing of the Schulz Academy.

Mike Kelleher of West Ham United’s International Academy said, “We are looking forward to great things from our partnership with the Schulz Academy. In recent years the Schulz Academy has gained a reputation as a developer of excellent young soccer players in South Florida. We hope the next Jozy Altidore will be wearing a West Ham United shirt in the near future.”

USA international, Jozy Altidore (17 caps, 6 goals), is Schulz Academy’s most successful graduate to date. He is the youngest player to score for the United States full national team in the modern era, aged just 18 against Mexico in February 2008. He currently plays for Hull City in the English Premier League, on a season long loan from Villarreal of Spain’s La Liga. He is pictured in action above with West Ham United’s Valon Behrami, earlier this season.

West Ham United International Academy Announces Partnership with Keystone Athletic

January 21st, 2010 - The West Ham United International Academy announced it’s 8th partner club Keystone Athletic from Northeast Pennsylvania.

Keystone Athletic operates teams at every level of the United Soccer Leagues Super-Y and Super 20 leagues, also fielding 15 teams with is local state association, EPYSA (Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association). It has a developmental academy attended by 500 local children.  In addition to working with their local members Keystone has an affiliation program with other North East PA clubs that include (ENCO,NAZARETH and POCNO) to ensure all organizations, players and coaches  are working to the same goals. With SUSC affiliation programs and their own members the organization reaches out to over 2,000 youth soccer players.

Mike Kelleher, West Ham United’s International Academy Partnership Development Manager said, “Keystone Athletic came highly recommended to us through our network of contacts in North America, as with all our partners we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership, not only in terms of player identification/development but in sharing some of the good practice and methods of the West Ham United Academy.”

"As we enter our 20th year of operation this is exciting news for the organization.  We are excited to add another European affiliate and we look forward to the opportunities the affiliation can bring, not only to some players but also to the organization." Stated Keystone Athletic Director Michael Composto.

Composto joins, six other partner club Directors of Coaching on a visit to the West Ham United Academy in London next week.

Arsenal FC of PA become Partner Club

February 9th, 2010 - West Ham United International Academy announced Arsenal FC of Western Pennsylvania as its’ 9th Partner Club

Since 2000, Arsenal Football Club of Pennsylvania has been establishing a tradition of excellence. In just 9 short years, the club has produced 3 State Champions, 9 State Finalists, 16 Semifinalists, and 11 regular season League Championships. The club has over 350 players with 18 teams, 10 boys and 8 girls in addition to a large U10 and under program.

Under the coaching leadership of Dan Brower, USSF 'A' License and NSCAA Premier Diploma and James Meara, former FA Youth Cup winner with Watford FC (1989) and 6 year professional at Watford FC and Doncaster Rovers FC, Arsenal FC of Pennsylvania is fast becoming one of the elite youth soccer programs in Western PA

International Academy Announces First Caribbean Partnership

February 18th, 2010 - West Ham United International Academy announced it’s first partnership in the Caribbean, with the Future Sports Club of the Cayman Islands.

Future Sports Club the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) Football Club of the year, 2002 is dedicated to the Development of Young Players. Founded in 1998 the Club has amassed 6 Women’s championships, 7 Boys Championships U19, U17, U16 , U13 and 6  finalists. The Club has teams in all age divisions in both male and female categories within CIFA. In addition the Clubs focus on Youth Development has led to over 15  Player of the year/Leading Scorer Awards. The Club also holds the distinction of having produced the Country's first female to receive a soccer scholarship to a US University and the Cayman Islands only male player to be offered a top flight professional contract in Europe. In addition 2 of the Club's U13 boys are now in the final stages of being accepted in an Academy in Portugal along with several players currently attending US Universities.

“We are extremely excited to be embarking on a partnership with one of the most successful clubs in the English Premier League in terms of player development. West Ham United's outstanding track record of producing world class players the likes of Joe Cole and Frank Lampard  Jr to name a few reflect their expertise in player development. This coincides with the ambitions of FSC and can only provide a clear path for our Club's many young players who aspire to succeed in the game.” Olsen Bush, Future Sports Club.

International Academy Partners with the Bermuda Football Association

February 13th, 2010 - The West Ham United International Academy announced a partnership with the Bermuda Football Association today at a press conference at the BFA’s headquarters in Hamilton Bermuda.

Pictured at the announcement from left to right are, David Sabir (BFA, General Secretary), Mike Kelleher (West Ham United International Academy, Partnership Development Manager), Tony Carr (West Ham United Academy Director), Derek Broadley (BFA, Technical Director).

Read the full press release.

Minnesota Thunder Academy Become Partner Club

March 9, 2010. West Ham United International Academy announced the Minnesota Thunder Academy as its twelfth partner club today. The Minnesota Thunder Academy was formed in 2008 as an amalgamation of two of Minnesota’s most successful youth programs, namely Wings Soccer Club and Bangu Tsunami FC. Prior to 2008 these two clubs had amassed 42 State Championships, 3 Regional Championships and 2 National Finalists with five of their players representing the United States at youth national team level.

Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher said “we are looking forward to working with an organization of the stature of the Minnesota Thunder Academy, they have a great reputation in the Midwest and will be a first class addition to our family of clubs.”

Thunder Technical Director, Steve Bellis said, “we are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings to Minnesota youth soccer, we look forward to working closely with West Ham United’s Academy in the months and years ahead.”

The Partnership will formally begin at the end of this month when one of the Thunder’s Academy Directors, Mark Cook will spend four days at the West Ham United Academy in London funded by the International Academy’s partner XL Travel.

International Academy Partners with Cape Fear Soccer Association

March 15th, 2010 - The West Ham United International Academy announced its first partnership in North Carolina with the Cape Fear Soccer Association.

Cape Fear Soccer Association was founded in 1985 and serves the Wilmington and Cape Fear Coastal Region for soccer players of all ages. It operates leagues for Recreational level players from U4's to Adults and has 18 Classic and Challenge teams that compete on Various levels in the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association Leagues. Six of its teams play in the Premier league and consistently compete for State Championships on an annual basis as well as many local and regional tournaments.

CFSA has 2,500 members a full time staff and is the 4th largest in the state of NC. Many players  have progressed to the College and Professional ranks, notably Cody Arneaux who signed for Everton FC in August 2009, was a CFSA Youth player before attending Wake forest University and garnishing numerous honors along the way. Several current players represent the State of North Carolina and South Regional Olympic Development Program and have travelled to Mexico, Costa Rica and various events in the US representing CFSA, NC and the South Region.

CFSA’s Staff are very qualified, with coaches who have played professionally, coached at the College and professional level and currently teach Coaching courses with US Soccer and the NSCAA.

"We are very excited to partner with the West Ham United International Academy and with the opportunities it presents for our players and coaches. " said Peter Broadley , Executive Director and Director of Coaching for CFSA." We will initiate the connection to West Ham through our U10 and U12 Academy program which will fit perfectly with the curriculum that the West Ham staff have proposed"

Princeton Soccer Association, NJ. Become Partner Club

April 5, 2010 – The Princeton Soccer Association, New Jersey, have become the West Ham United International Academy’s 14th Partner Club.

"The PSA is thrilled to be able to work with such a fine organization. The West Ham partnership will add to our overall player development philosophy, and allow our players the opportunity to see soccer at the highest of levels."  (Cheryl Golestani, PSA President)

PSA are in its 35th year, supporting Princeton and Central New Jersey since 1975. The club currently has approximately 2,200 registered members from 4 - 18 years of age playing in the Development Center, Travel, Super Y & Futsal League.

"This partnership is extremely exciting for all involved within PSA. The opportunities it brings for our top level players & teams to travel to the UK and develop alongside some of the best youth players in the UK is amazing. We are looking forward to sharing ideas with Tony Carr and the famously known 'Academy of Football'"  (John Newman, PSA Director of Coaching)

PSA’s club development technique supports players of all ages and abilities, offering its members a variety of progressive instructional and competition programs. PSA provide nurturing introductory programs through its older committed athletes who seek to compete on PSA teams in regional/national leagues. PSA has a current U14 player selected for the USA National Pool. PSA’s programs and curriculum's are developed by one of the most highly qualified and certified Directors of Coaching in the nation, John Newman, who ensures training and development is delivered by experienced and talented professional staff.

PSA Director of Coaching, John Newman is pictured here with International Academy Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher and Assistant Academy Director, Paul Heffer on a recent visit to the West Ham United Academy.

FC Alliance of Knoxville, Tennessee become Partner Club - Announces Player ID Camp

April 7, 2010 – FC Alliance of Knoxville, TN became the 15th partner club of the West Ham United International Academy and announced it’s player id camp for June 29th-July 2nd (Knoxville Camp).

“This relationship is an incredible opportunity for the players and the coaches of our club. To be linked directly with an English Premier League club is incredible. T

his will drastically increase the development of our players and coaches. I can’t wait to see the types of players we will produce using the West Ham methods.

We work hard at FC Alliance to give every player the best youth soccer experience anywhere. We take pride in all of our teams and now with the help of WHUIA we can make sure we are using a proven system to increase the experience.”  (FC Alliance, Director of Operations - Jon Schneider)

West Ham United International Academy Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher said, "we are delighted to add FC Alliance to our family of clubs, having witnessed first hand the growth of soccer in this town over the past few years I am excited about the potential of this partnership."

FC Alliance was formed in 2008 by merging Impact USA and Smoky Mountain soccer clubs from the Knoxville area. Since 2008 FC Alliance has become a top club in the state of TN with many State Championships and is also competing very well at the regional level.   

Jon Schneider of FC Alliance is pictured here with Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher on a recent partner club visit to West Ham United.

Sport Concepts, Mexico, Become International Academy Partner

Sport Concepts, S.A. de C.V. from Mexico City, Mexico have become the first West Ham United International Academy partner in Latin America.

“We are delighted to work alongside a professional football club of this caliber. The partnership will attract many young Mexican players and we look forward to organizing the West Ham United International player ID camps in several cities across the country.” (Merrill Trejo Winpenny – President, Sport Concepts, S.A. de C.V.)

Sport Concepts is an organization, which stands at the forefront of youth football coaching with its Development Centres, camps, clinics and educational material.

At present Sport Concepts has 2 Development Centres with over 400 children in both Mexico City and Monterrey. By the end of 2011 Sport Concepts will open more Development Centres in Torreon, Veracruz and Chihuahua increasing our player network to 2,000.

“Sport Concepts is pleased to announce a partnership with West Ham United Academy of the English Premier League. West Ham Academy has an outstanding record in England for producing top quality professional footballers.

Tony Carr and his staff at West Ham have consistently produced quality players such as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe, Glenn Johnson and many more.  This partnership will give our top young players the chance to be coached in England at the West Ham United Academy.” (Gary Batley – Director of Coaching, Sport Concepts, S.A. de C.V.)

“We are looking forward to working with Merrill, Gary and Sport Concepts, this is an interesting partnership being our first in Mexico, with the passion and excitement the game already has there we are intrigued to see where this partnership goes.” - Mike Kelleher, West Ham United Partnership Development Manager.

Kelleher is pictured here with Merrill Winpenny, President of Sport Concepts, Mexico on a recent visit to Upton Park.

Long Island Rough Riders, Become International Academy Partner

April 29th, 2010 - The Long Island Rough Riders of Plainview, New York have become the 18th Partner Club of the West Ham United International Academy.

Rough Riders President, Peter Zaratin (pictured below left), recently returned from a five day visit with West Ham United to finalize this exciting venture for both clubs. "This partnership is based on player identification and finding the next Michael Grella on Long Island who can play in England," said Zaratin.  "All too often professional European clubs focus only on brand expansion in the North America.  After meeting with Tony Carr and Paul Heffer from West Ham United I am confident the club's intentions are pure - produce top level soccer players!"

"European clubs are gaining more interest in American players, due to the growth of American soccer," said Flavio Ferri, Rough Riders GeneralManager.  "A prime example is the recent success of former Rough Riders player Mike Grella, who is now playing with Leeds United."

About the Long Island Rough Riders

The Rough Riders have been part of the Long Island soccer landscape since their inception in 1994. The Rough Riders Men's and Women's teams won their first National Championship in 1995. The Rough Riders men's team featured former US National Team members Chris Armas, Tony Meola, and MLS All Star Giovanni Savarese and Jimmy Rooney along with USOlympic Team Member and current Junior Rough Riders Coaching Director, John Diffley.  Since their initial success, the Rough Riders Men's team has gone on to win the United Soccer League (USL) 2nd Division National Championship in 2002 and has sent numerous players to Major League Soccer (MLS). In 2007, the Rough Riders acquired a W-League franchise. During the 2008 season, the Rough Riders Women's team qualified for the Eastern conference Finals. Current Rough Riders Women's team member Sue Weber was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).  The Rough Riders are also comprised of the Junior Rough Riders program, featuring elite level players from 8 to 17 years of age.  Junior Rough Riders teams from 13 to 17 years old participate in the Super Y-League (SYL), the youth component of the United Soccer Leagues (USL).

RVFC of Albuquerque, New Mexico  Become Partner Club and Announce Player ID Camp

May 7, 2010 – West Ham United International Academy announced a partnership with Rio Vista Fooball Club of Albuquerque, New Mexico today.

RVFC Director of Coaching Chris Cartlidge stated, “It is a fantastic opportunity for the coaches and players of RVFC to enter into a partnership with West Ham United of the English Premiership. The West Ham United Academy has a reputation for developing players that has made an impact in the English Premiership and at the highest levels of international football. The opportunity for our New Mexico players and coaches to understand and follow the West Ham United approach to player development is a big step forward for everyone. “

Chris Cartlidge continued, “RVFC players having the opportunity to showcase their abilities this summer in front of the West Ham United staff at the ID Camps will give every player a target to train towards in the coming months and years. The ID Camps provide our players the opportunity to train and experience an English Premiership Club Academy and this type of dream and aspiration is something that every player needs in order to reach their potential. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with West Ham United.”

RVFC also announced the date of their player id camp as being June 29-July 2nd, players that impress there will be invited to the West Ham United International Academy National Camp staffed by the West Ham United Academy coaches under the direction of Tony Carr. For more details of the id camp follow this link - New Mexico Camp

CJSO of Jackson, Mississippi Become Partner Club

May 20, 2010 - Central Jackson Soccer Organization (CJSO) of Jackson, Mississippi became the 20th partner club of the West Ham United International Academy today.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the players and coaches of CJSO to understand and follow the West Ham approach to player development.”  Said Eric Kump who will oversee the implementation of the partnership at CJSO. 

Kump continued, “The West Ham academy has the reputation of developing players and excelling at the highest levels of international soccer.  This in conjunction with what CJSO has already accomplished in over 18 years of existence is just another great opportunity to showcase the CJSO talents on an International stage. There will be an annual ID camp facilitated by the West Ham staff, with the opportunity to train with and experience the English Premiership Club’s Academy.  We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with West Ham United.”

In recent years CJSO have been a consistent contender for the State titles in various age groups. In addition they have won many State and District championships, with Regional & National appearances. CJSO have had players represent the State of Mississippi, South Regional Team and National Pool for the Olympic Development Program (ODP).  They have also had players play overseas and since 2005, had players named to the Residency Program for the U17 National Team in Bradenton, FL., with one currently in residency.

Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA) Become Partner Club

May 25, 2010 - West Ham United International Academy announced a partnership today with the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA) in Greenville, South Carolina. CESA was established in 2004 and is the home to 3,000 youth soccer players ranging in age from 4-18.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the coaches and players of CESA to enter into a partnership with West Ham United of the English Premiership. The West Ham United Academy has a reputation for developing players that have made an impact in the English Premiership and at the highest levels of international football. Young, talented and ambitious players within our CESA program will now have the opportunity to test themselves against players from within the West Ham Academy in London. We are excited to have started a partnership with an English Premier League Club that has established a prolific track record of producing talented youngsters. This relationship provides our players who show the ability and potential with a clear opportunity and path to fulfill their soccer promise in the future.” said CESA Co-Executive Director Andrew Hyslop.

West Ham United International Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher said “We are looking forward to working with an organization of the stature of the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy. They have developed a great reputation in the Southeast and will be a first class addition to our family of clubs.”

CESA plans to host a West Ham United Elite Player ID camp in conjunction with its annual CESA College Combine in January, 2011. This will give players the chance to be evaluated by West Ham United International Academy staff. Players who impress will be invited to the West Ham United International Academy National Camp staffed by the West Ham United Academy coaches under the direction of Academy Director Tony Carr.

Hyslop added,” CESA has plans to take a group of our up and coming boys to train and compete at the West Ham Academy in the summer of 2011. Discussions are ongoing regarding bringing a West ham United Academy Team to Greenville in the near future and we feel that from a club perspective all of these opportunities make perfect sense for our players.”

Barca FC Academy of Southern California Become Partner Club

June 21, 2010 - Barca FC Academy of Southern California becomes the 22nd Partner Club of the West Ham United International Academy. The Academy was founded 3 years ago by program Director Rachid El Bekraoui a USSF A licensed coach.

The Academy has over 300 members in competitive and recreational programs and also works closely with the US Marine Corps recruit depot in creating and running recreational league for all armed forces children in the San Diego area.

El Bekraouri said, “With this partnership, our players (girls and boys) will be able to showcase their talents and abilities in front West Ham’s coaching staff and will have the tools and opportunities to play at the highest level they aim for.

Most European professional clubs focus only on Brand expansion; West Ham United is truly interested in developing and identifying soccer players in our community. We will announce ID Camps this summer where our players will be able to showcase their abilities in front of West Ham United Coaches.”

Placer Blues of Sacramento, CA become Partner Club

November 30th, 2010 - The West Ham United International Academy today announced a partnership with Placer Blues of Sacramento, California.

Young, talented and ambitious players within the Blues program will now have the opportunity to follow the same training program ("the West Ham Way") as those players training within the West Ham United Academy.  For Placer Blues' more talented players, they will be invited to the West Ham United National ID camp to showcase their talent in front of the West Ham United Academy staff...Tony Carr, director of the West Ham United Academy will be on hand.  If their players show well at the National ID camp, they will be invited to West Ham United to train with the West Ham United Academy players in

London.

"We are very excited to have started a partnership with an English Premier League Club that has established a prolific track record of producing young talent. This relationship provides our players with another avenue to further their soccer development." said Gregg Thompson Director of Coaching for the Blues.

West Ham United International Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher said "We are excited to be working with the Blues.  In its first year, they have taken huge steps forward in player development. Those are the types of clubs we want to be associated with."

International School of Indiana Becomes Partner

January 18, 2011 – The West Ham United International Academy today announced a partnership with The International School of Indiana.

Area students will now have the opportunity to follow the same training program ("the West Ham Way") as those players training within the West Ham United Academy. 

"We are very excited to start a prestigious partnership with an English Premier League Club that has an outstanding track record for producing young talent,” says David Garner, ISI Head of School. “This relationship provides student athletes at ISI and other Indianapolis area schools with another avenue to further their soccer development."

As part of the partnership, a West Ham United Identification Camp will be held at ISI April 1-3, 2011 for boys and girls aged 8-18, with the aim of helping players develop their skills and identifying talent. To register for the camp click here.

Pure FC Become Partner Club

January 31st, 2011 – The West Ham United International Academy today announced a partnership with Pure FC of Jacksonville, Florida. Sean Stern, Director of Operations at Pure FC said, "We are honored to work with West Ham United and are excited about the possibilities that this partnership brings to our local players. The West Ham United Academy has a rich tradition and reputation for developing world class players. Not only does this partnership provide a wealth of coaching education and player development opportunities, but also provides another excellent avenue for out most talented players to be identified and progress to the professional ranks."

Pure FC will host a West Ham United Player ID Camp during the weekend of May 13-15th, with the best players being invited to the National Camp under the watchful eye of Tony Carr and his staff. For more details on this camp click here.

Premier UK Soccer Become Partner Club

May 27, 2011 - Premier UK Director Andy Thompson,“We are honored to create a partnership with a Football Club such as West Ham United and it's prestigious history, it  is an unbelievable opportunity for all players and coaches involved, the relationship creates a great deal of exposure and extra avenues  for talented soccer players within premier UK to further enhance their soccer development.

Premier UK Soccer shares the intention with West Ham United to create a cooperative club organization that builds on that philosophy that shares ideas,coaching methods, administrative guidelines and more, to the benefit of all coaches, players and parents affiliated with Premier UK Soccer. We believe that the philosophy and methods shared between the partnership will be the source of great success and achievement in the future for players that experience it.

The 'West Ham Way' is renowned in the United Kingdom for it's progression and development of world class soccer players. The United States holds an abundance of talented, athletic and motivated players striving for improvement and identification. Through the partnership and outreach of Premier UK Soccer to some of the most talented players in the United States, we strive to make a players dream come true of playing at the highest level. This opportunity will be provided to top level players,who will be invited to attend the West Ham United National ID camp to showcase their talent and desire to be the best in front of Tony Carr, Director of West Ham United Academy. A further progression for the players in which to excel and have the opportunity of a lifetime to train with the West Ham Academy players at there home training facility in London, England.

Port St. Lucie Becomes

Partner Club

June 24, 2011 - West Ham United International Academy announces it's partnership with the Port St. Lucie Soccer Club.  The Port St. Lucie Soccer Club located in Port St. Lucie, Florida has emerged as one of the Premier club's on the Treasure Coast. The club offer's both Competitive and Recreational programs and by forming a partnership with the West Ham United International Academy the players and coaches will get

the opportunity to learn the "West Ham Way" and instill the core values into developing skilled players within the community. A recent alliance with Martin FC will enable WHUIA to reach out to players from Martin and St. Lucie Counties which will further enhance the development of youth soccer in our Region. Paul Gibbons of Coerver Training will be the Liaison between the two programs to help develop a professional approach in helping the players reach their highest potential. The club's have scheduled a WHUIA I.D. camp for the first week in August which will attract players from all over Florida. Steve Gitlin, President of the PSL Soccer Club said "This is an

exciting time for our club that we can work closely with WHUIA to help develop our coaches and give our players the opportunity to get recognized at the collegiate and professional level. With the reputation of the WHUIA as being one of if not the best youth academy programs in the World, our partnership will bring professionalism to our soccer community and a lasting friendship with WHUIA".

Miglietti Soccer Academy

Becomes Partner Club

June 29, 2011 - West Ham United International Academy announces it's partnership with the Miglietti Soccer Academy.  Miglietti Soccer Academy (MSA) was formed in 2009 to help all players in the Los Angeles County, specifically the communities of the South Bay, have the opportunity to play club soccer and experience professional coaching.  Too many players are not given the opportunity to realize their dreams because of the high cost of club soccer in the United States.  MSA has made a commitment to the community to help all players play, not just the ones that can pay.  To this end we are very proud to announce our partnership with the West Ham United International Academy and become the Los Angeles based partner club.

Most European professional clubs focus only on brand expansion; West Ham United is truly interested in developing and identifying soccer players in our community. The partnership will give MSA unprecented access to one of the most respected clubs of player development in the premiership. We will announce ID Camps in the summer of 2012 where our players will be able to showcase their abilities in front of West Ham United Coaches.”  Players that excel at the ID camp will be invited to a West Ham United National ID Camp, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of Tony Carr, West Ham United Youth Academy Director, and ultimately have the opportunity to be invited to London, England and train with the West Ham United Youth Academy.  Through its partnership, MSA will also announce a future trip to england where players will have the opportunity to train the West Ham Way.

MSA Academy Director Raul Miglietti stated, “It is a fantastic opportunity for the coaches and players of MSA to enter into a partnership with West Ham United of the English Premiership. The West Ham United Academy has a reputation for developing and producing top level players such as, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe. The opportunity for our MSA players and coaches to understand and follow the West Ham United approach to player development is a tremendous assest for everyone. “  “We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with West Ham United.”

New Partner Club Galaxy Football School

November 9, 2011 – The West Ham United International Academy today announced a partnership with Galaxy Football School of Sydney, Australia. 

Galaxy Football School is a Youth Football Development Academy for players between the ages of six and sixteen.  Galaxy is committed to creating a pathway for aspiring professional youth footballers through all components of the game such as training, scouting, tours and much more. 

This Partnership represents an incredible opportunity for Elite Youth Players in NSW to showcase their skills at one of the many West Ham Player Identification Camps to be run and hosted by Galaxy Football School and West Ham United International Academy Staff.  The first camp dates have already been set for 11th, 12th & 13th of April 2012 with a venue in the Sydney Metro Area soon to be announced by Galaxy.

West Ham United International Academy Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher said "We are delighted to announce a partnership with the Galaxy Football School in Sydney Australia“. 

Fabian De Marco, Managing Director of the Galaxy Football School said, “Our Academy Partnership with one of the world’s best Youth Football Academies represents a huge step forward for all Galaxy Academy Players who wish to become a professional footballer at the highest level.”

New Partner Club Announced

January 26, 2012. West Ham United International Academy today announced its proud partnership with SA United Soccer Club of San Antonio. The first of its kind in Texas.

Jay Sparrow, SA United’s Director of Coaching “Over the past 12 months I have been in talks with several UK based clubs as we look to form a professional partnership which will open doors for our elite players into the European game.After several discussions with the West Ham Directors, I feel very confident that we have finally found a club to partner with that shares in our mission and has a proven track record of producing some of the best players in the world. It was also important to me that the club we partner with has programs for both our boys and our girls. West Ham United met all of our requirements for the perfect international partner. SA United can now provide its players with a pathway into US College Soccer which can also lead into the MLS, UK Academy Soccer where players are showcased to professional teams and now into the English Professional game through this exciting, prestigious relationship with West Ham United Football Club”

West Ham United International Academy Partnership Development Manager said, "We are looking forward to working with Jay and the players, parents and coaches of San Antonio United, this being our first partner in Texas opens new avenues for the International Academy."

SA United will host an annual Player ID Camp where players will be evaluated by the West Ham United International Academy staff. Players that impress will be invited to the West Ham United National camp where they will be assessed by Tony Carr, Director of West Ham united Academy. Players selected from this camp will be invited to train with the youth team in England. The ID camp will be March 12th – 14th 2012 at the STAR Soccer complex.

New Partner Club Announced

January 30, 2012 – West Ham United International Academy today announced their first partnership in Missouri with Avalon FC.

Avalon FC was founded in 1988 and is based in St. Charles County, MO with practice fields in St.

Peters, MO and Maryland Heights, MO. Avalon currently has nearly 600 registered competitive

male & female players ages 8-18 that compete throughout the Midwest. In 2011, Avalon graduated

over 30 players that have gone on to play at the collegiate level and will be sending its first U/19

groups to compete in the 2012 Missouri State Cup as part of the US Soccer National Series.  

This summer Avalon FC will host a West Ham United International Academy Regional Elite ID Camp where players will be trained and evaluated by West Ham United Academy and International Academy coaches. High level players selected from this ID camp will attend the West Ham National Camp, which is invite-only based on the regional identification camps. The West Ham United National Camp will take place in Rome, GA in July

2012. A select group of players from the national camp will be invited to attend a 10-day West Ham

United Academy Experience in London. Additionally, Avalon FC coaches will be afforded the

opportunity to travel to England to become licensed West Ham coaches and to train and participate

with the academy of West Ham United Football Club.

Players interested in qualifying for the 2012 West Ham United National Camp should attend the West

Ham United Elite Player ID Camp in St. Charles, MO June 25-28, 2012. To register click here.