Tranmere Rovers and the Club’s International Soccer Academy are to work alongside Canadian Club Halton Hawks FC in a ground- breaking partnership.
The partnership will see Halton Hawks work with ISA staff to implement the professional coaching curriculum which includes TRFC’s use of futsal- to-field. Other highlights include soccer camps in Canada led by Tranmere Rovers ISA coaches as well as the running of coach education courses for coaches at HHFC.
Tranmere Rovers International Soccer Academy Technical Director Dan O’Donnell and elite coach Matt Hunter will be heading out to Milton, Ontario in January to deliver sessions on behalf of Tranmere Rovers Football Club.
Whilst in Canada, Dan and Matt will help develop the skills of players in the local community and further engage with the coaches at Halton Hawks.
Vasco Nunes, Halton Hawks Technical Director is delighted to get the partnership with Tranmere Rovers ISA off the ground.
Nunes said: “Our goal wasn’t to partner with the largest brand name, but rather with a Club that better understands the nuances of the North American market and can recognise that a true partnership benefits both organisations.
“What sealed the deal, was the professionalism of the staff, the facilities, the fact TRFC uses Futsal to develop players and the coaching approach to players.
“We also anticipate a sharing of knowledge that can improve internal programmes.
“However, we feel there is an excellent balance of not only sincere interest and shared vision, but also a deep respect and understanding of each club needs and wants.
“It is with these building blocks on which to build an ever-stronger international player development programme that will provide top talent for the Canadian Premier League as well as offering TRFC the first pick of our talented players to fill the ranks.
“Ideally, the eventual goal would be to become a fully-fledged TRFC Academy and become a reference to other aspiring TRFC Academies in North America.
“We are excited and fully expect this partnership to develop into a strong and lasting union. We are excited about being part of such a great organisation.”
The Canada partnership will also see Halton Hawks players and teams sent over to England for ISA Programmes based at the Tranmere Rovers training ground, The Campus.
There is also the potential to open up a TRFC Academy in Canada over the next five years.
“We’ve been speaking with Vasco about this partnership for a couple of months now and we’re really excited to get it off the ground and get started!” said Matt Hunter.
“Vasco has shared with us his vision for Halton Hawks and we’re all confident that this partnership will prove to be a huge success.”
“As a Club, Tranmere Rovers has an excellent track record of developing players and we can’t wait to add our input to the current setup in Canada.”
“Myself and Dan will be in Milton in January and we’re really looking forward to growing this partnership and visiting the area. With soccer on the rise in Canada with the launch of the Canadian Premier League and our First Team playing in League One on the back of two successive promotions, it’s certainly an exciting time for everyone involved!”
To find out more about Tranmere Rovers’ ISA, CLICK HERE.