West Ham United Partners With Soccer Academy

Over the past 12 months, I have visited with over half a dozen international academies and professional teams in search of a great partnership for our Soccer Academy players. I had one goal in mind and that was to create opportunities for our players to train and develop at the international level. 

In August 2010, we signed a partnership agreement with the West Ham United International Academy. This May, I was hosted by West Ham in London as part of my personal professional development and during the past year, Myles Englis ('12) trained with West Ham United in London for eight days.

Now, our relationship is coming full circle. At this very moment, West Ham's full-time coaching staff is here on Darlington's campus with over 100 players that they have identified across the United States as potential West Ham players. On our campus are over half a dozen U.S. National pool players and many other top-ranked talents. In addition, Tony Carr, the 38-year veteran academy director for West Ham United, is here on campus. Click here to read more about him.

The Soccer Academy's relationship with West Ham United will continue to grow and strengthen. This week, I am working with the staff to coordinate a trip over Spring Break, March 8-18, to West Ham's training grounds. This would mark the fourth international trip for Darlington School Soccer Academy in just seven years and will increase our international exposure even more!

Click here to read more about West Ham's identification camp held at Darlington School.  For Youtube videos of West Ham Coaches and Chad Liddle working with top level youth players from around the US here on Darlington's Campus - click:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ruZfDSjTZM&NR=1

March 8-18th - West Ham will be hosting our Soccer Academy players in London!  Players will travel during our Spring Break here at Darlington and work along side some of the top youth professional players in England in March of 2012.