Morecambe FC Academy has established a new partnership in Canada, as part of the Club’s aim to develop links overseas. Academy coaches attended a week long soccer camp in Orangeville, Ontario, at the invitation of Athlete Institute Football Club.
The training camp provided male and female players aged eight and up with the chance to showcase their talents and develop new skills.
Stewart Drummond, Morecambe’s Head of Youth said “we are always looking at ways to improve our links and connections with other clubs, both at home and abroad. Our coaches have received a very warm welcome in Canada and have enjoyed the week enormously.”
“Our coaches have been able to bring their ideas and experience in football and pass these on to the young footballers and staff of Athlete Institute,” said Drummond. “I am sure the experience is something we can build on, to forge a mutually beneficial relationship between the two clubs.”
The camp has utilised state of the art facilities at Athlete Institute; including international standard grass pitches, a 24,000 sq. ft. indoor turf sports dome, 12,000 sq. ft. double gymnasium and a 100+ person capacity residence and restaurant-café.
The link originated through a longstanding friendship between Darren Finch, the Youth Development Phase Lead at Morecambe Academy and AIFC Technical Director Steve Payne.
“This link is great news for our players and staff,” said Steve Payne. “Darren Finch has been a friend of mine since we met on a UEFA Coaching course some years back and he has helped make this happen. It’s been great to have the Morecambe staff over here and we look forward to enhancing this link.”
“It is a chance for young players to work with English professional club coaches and for those with ambition it is also an opportunity to showcase themselves for the future.”
Link: Athletic Institute http://www.athleteinstitute.ca/