Everton FC extends affiliate partnership with Clifton Park Soccer Club

Clifton Park Soccer Club (CPSC) has extended its partnership within Everton’s International Academy Affiliate Programme (EIAAP).

The US-based football club became the first from the Empire State to partner with the Blues’ globally renowned soccer development programme back in 2022.

And following a fruitful partnership over the past two years, the New York side has now renewed as an affiliate partner for the next two seasons.

This follows a first visit to Everton, in March, by the first Clifton Park U14s player to make the trip across the Atlantic under the International Affiliate Scheme. The youngster, accompanied by his parents, was given the chance to work with the Club’s International Academy coaches and tour the facilities at the Finch Farm training ground.

Going forwards, the EIAAP initiative will continue to provide CPSC with access to the finest coaching knowledge from Everton’s distinguished Academy to support the growth of the club and its player development programmes.

The EIAAP programme includes:

– Full access to the Everton Academy curriculum
– Weekly support from a dedicated Everton Academy coach
– Holistic approach to player, coach, and club development
– Technical support from Everton’s training ground Finch Farm, home to the Men’s, Women’s and Academy teams
– Business and marketing support from some of soccer’s most knowledgeable staff based at Everton’s UK headquarters in the iconic Royal Liver Building in Liverpool

Everton International Technical Manager, Paddy Byrne, and his team will again visit Clifton Park to assist in sharing the Everton Academy curriculum and teaching methods used at Everton training ground, and work with the Club closely to develop both player and coaching skills.

In addition, staff from Clifton Park will have the opportunity to visit Everton’s facilities for further education, to watch training and further understand how a Premier League club Academy programme operates.

This June, Clifton Park will also host try-outs (trials), open to boys and girls of all levels between the ages of five and 18.

The CPSC Summer Camp, from July 29 – August 9, will be hosted by Everton’s International Soccer School. Everton’s International Manager, Paddy Byrne, will be selecting one of his premier Academy coaches to run the CPSC Soccer Camp.

Formed in 1976, CPSC welcomes more than 2,000 players each year across its youth and adult programmes.

‘Evolution’, a dedicated player development programme for Under-6s to Under-18s, now attracts more than 350 players from across the Capital District.

The club is also well-versed in Everton’s footballing ethos, with a number of Blues’ supporters, from board level to coaches, all excited by the ongoing relationship.

CPSC President, Bruce Rosenthal, said:

“Our partnership with Everton allows us to continue to develop well-rounded coaches and attract even more players who want to progress, with the help and support of a Premier League Club Academy. Our aim is also to help give our strongest players, who we feel have the quality to play at a high level, even more of a competitive edge.”

CPSC Vice President, Patrick Rabideau, added:

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Everton.

“The excellent working relationship has allowed us to build our baseline Academy programme approach and develop a coaches’ handbook to help standardise our coaching approach to teaching skills, tactics and strategy.

“Everton’s philosophy, and how they approach player development by putting the player first and focusing on skills, matches ours perfectly and we want our players to benefit from the knowledge that their famed Academy has built up over the years and use that to our advantage.”

Everton International Manager, Paddy Byrne, added:

“We are proud and delighted to extend our partnership with Clifton Park Soccer Club, who were our first International Academy Affiliate Programme partner in New York.

“In addition to being a hugely respected community Club, Clifton Park also attracts talented players from across the Capital District looking to develop their skills and I’m looking forward to continue working with the whole coaching team, as they look to evolve and expand their work in player development.”