American Partnership for Chesterfield FC
A partnership has been agreed between the Chesterfield FC development centre and the Gordon Hill International Football Academy, based in Florida.
As part of the agreement, up to nine youngsters from the USA will spend time in the UK with the Chesterfield FC development centre.
Chesterfield’s head of youth recruitment, Liam Sutcliffe, believes the link-up is a major step forward for the club. He said: “Joining forces with the Gordon Hill International Football Academy will provide us with the opportunity to tap into a source of emerging young talent in the United States, which is a very exciting prospect.”
Gordon Hill, who starred for the likes of Manchester United, QPR and Derby County, points out that the partnership will present many aspiring young footballers with the chance of a lifetime. “They have a desire to play and I help them develop,” said Hill.
“I know Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner very well from our time with Manchester United and Chris said to me that with Liam Sutcliffe, who runs the development centre, these kids will get a good chance.
“It’s only a matter of time before the players start making their way over here so I bring them over so clubs like Chesterfield can have a look at them, take them into the development squad and hopefully take them into the youth squad and then push them into their reserves and first team.”
Hill, who won six full England caps during his time at Old Trafford, recently brought some of his players over to this country and they took in a visit to the Proact Stadium. He said: “After looking at the training ground and the stadium, the lads were saying, ‘Wow, I didn’t think it was this serious’!”
Spireites chief executive Chris Turner said: “The link-up provides a great opportunity for Gordon’s players and for us as a club. Forging links with players and business partners can only be a positive step forward for all concerned and we are delighted to have established the relationship.”
