Everton and Socceroos midfielder Tim Cahill has signed on as a partner of an elite youth academy to be based in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. Former England international Carlton Palmer is heading the Elite Sports Academy and Cahill has joined forces to help develop the region's best talent.

"I thought this was a good initiative because it would keep other young talented footballers from struggling like me," Cahill told the Gulf News.

"Hopefully, these kids, with this kind of coaching and the facilities that will be available, can develop their skills in Dubai and then think of moving abroad."