Hearts have announced the announced the newest club they have formed links with as part Global Youth Partnership programme, Albion Hurricanes of Houston, Texas, much to the delight of manager Craig Levein.
The American side have over 3000 members and the Jambos hope it will enable them to bring talent through to one day reach the first-team at Tynecastle – while also helping their partners with facilities and knowledge.
Hearts confirmed the agreement on their official website and Jambos boss Craig Levein spoke of his happiness at the new partnership.
“These partnerships directly benefit the North American clubs through the sharing of ideas and experiences and I am really pleased to have AHFC on board,” Levein said.
“For us though it is far more than a back room collaboration, it opens up a new geography for us in terms of identifying talent that is being developed at these clubs.”
Youth football in the United States is growing at a phenomenal rate and the USA now has more registered youth players than any other nation.
While it may take years before there is any benefit to the partnership, it is enthusing to see Scottish sides looking beyond their own borders to uncover the best talent,
With millions of young footballers in the USA, there’s a rich talent pool to work with and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see mroe clubs follow suit.