Williams Landing FC will become a part of the Southampton FC academy, which plays in the Premier League
The Williams Landing Football Club and Southampton Football Club have announced a new partnership aimed at developing local players and coaches.
The global partnership will see Williams Landing FC, which is located in Cedar Woods’ masterplanned community in Melbourne’s west, become a part of the Southampton FC academy, a professional association club which plays in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
As part of the initiative, Williams Landing FC will use the English club’s curriculum to develop players by holding regular soccer clinics and supporting coach development through ongoing training and UEFA licensing.
Williams Landing FC president Craig Major says the club is committed to fostering local talent and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
“We’re delighted to have this global partnership confirmed with Southampton FC—this will help us grow the profile of the club and provide opportunities for young players that otherwise wouldn’t be possible,” says Major.
“Working closely with Southampton FC, we will be able to better support our players in developing their game and offer a culture which has growth at the forefront whilst maintaining a high standard of conduct and professionalism amongst the coaches and the kids that play here,” says Major.
He says the coaches will also benefit through full access to Southampton FC’s curriculum and will have the opportunity to visit the club’s training grounds in England to experience the professional soccer coaching first-hand.
To support their training, players at Williams Landing FC will also have the opportunity to work with visiting Southampton academy coaches.
As a result of this partnership, the president expects the club’s membership to double.
“We have already signed four additional coaches who are excited by what we are doing. Our vision is to build a strong soccer club that is at the heart of the community. This partnership demonstrates our strong commitment to the growth of this club and offers a potential pathway to uncover and develop locally gown talent,” Major adds.
Southampton FC is highly regarded in youth development around the world. Recognised as one of the leading academies in the UK, the club holds category one status in the Premier League’s new Elite Player Performance Plan having regularly produced professional footballers.
Cedar Woods state manager for Victoria, Lloyd Collins, says local sporting clubs like Williams Landing FC have been a vital part of shaping the community in Melbourne’s west.
“Local clubs take an incredible amount of time and dedication to run but they are what make communities thrive. We look forward to watching the club progress and wish Williams Landing FC and all of its teams all the very best for the forthcoming season,” says Collins.
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