West Ham forge closer links with American youth football

The West Ham United International Academy has announced the launch of a North American Partner Club programme with partnerships agreed with some of the United States and Canada's top youth football clubs.

West Ham United International Academy is the official Barclays Premier League partner of the United Soccer Leagues.

Additionally, the club has been active in setting up a scouting and partnership network to help cover the 18 million-plus football players in North America.

Academy Director Tony Carr and his staff have been regular visitors to the US and Canada over the past few years and Mike Kelleher, a former FA Premier League Academy staff member, will lead its partnership development programme.

Speaking from its Atlanta headquarters, Kelleher told the club's official website: "We have worked hard to ensure our first partner clubs will fit with the key principles and standards of the West Ham United Academy.

"We look forward to developing official West Ham United Academy events, tournaments and to provide a direct pathway for coaches and players to gain access to the world famous West Ham United Academy for our partner clubs and to add many more great youth soccer organisations to the West Ham United Network."