Sheffield Wednesday recently welcomed players and families from the club’s North American Academy, who attended the Owls’ Championship clash with Brighton.
Through the partnership with Global Image Sports, the Owls currently have ten partner clubs in North America with over 20,000 players affiliated to Sheffield Wednesday.
Global Image Sports is a sports management company that provides opportunities and experiences via the formation of strategic partnerships in the sports industry.
The company prides itself of a professional approach to its business activities and strives to be the market leader in its field, while offering customers unrivalled service and satisfaction.
Through international initiatives, the Owls not only look to build the brand of Sheffield Wednesday but also provide opportunities to the players and coaches of partner clubs.
To that end, in the summer of 2013, academy staff Matt Burton, John Megson, Neville Burberry, Steve Haslam and Kevin Noteman made trips to America to identify talent and in return invite the elite players to train at the academy last week for a round of evaluations.
Foundation Phase Lead Coach Burton said: “The feedback from GIS was overwhelming and we received a lot of positive feedback from all clubs regarding the coaching received and the perception of SWFC in America.
“This was really pleasing as myself and the staff are proud to work for Sheffield Wednesday and spread the brand in America.
“We were excited to host players from the following partner clubs: USF Real, Forza FC, St Vrain, Ballistic United, Chesterfield United and FC Warriors and we hope to have you back soon.”
Burton continued: “We are pleased to have a formal link with Global Image Sports and so far the partnership has been successful. As the game grows in America, it is important we are able to spread the club’s brand across the globe and also have people come over to England to see how we work and the club runs.
“The overall aim is to act as a recruitment drive for the club and spread our scouting network. If players are identified as the required academy standard there is a pathway for their development.
“Once identified, the player will come over and train 2/3 times a year with his age group squad. Once he reaches the age of 16, a decision will be made regarding a scholarship and GIS will aid the process for the player to be eligible.”