Adelaide United have announced an exciting strategic partnership with Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven – a “mutually beneficial exchange” set to grant the A-Leagues club greater access to overseas talent and benefit its youth and coaching development pathways.
Youth development is at the core of the partnership, which was formalised by Reds chairman Ned Morris on a recent trip to Eindhoven.
The 24-time Dutch Eredivisie champions will open their gates to Adelaide’s academy prospects, who will receive the opportunity to train at PSV’s Campus De Herdgang, while the club’s coaching staff will benefit from the expertise and insights offered by the PSV Coaching Academy.
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The partnership will also gain Adelaide access to the Dutch giant’s “vast network” of potential transfer and loan targets.
Reds chairman Morris said he was particularly excited by the potential to enhance the calibre of players produced by the club’s academy by exposing them to the elite levels of PSV’s Campus De Herdgang.
“PSV is one of the biggest clubs in the world and has a proven track record of developing some of the most talented players. On and off the pitch, PSV is achieving great successes,” Morris said.
“As a club, we are committed to developing young players and giving them opportunities. Being able to apprentice with PSV will certainly have a beneficial effect on Adelaide United’s players and coaches.
“At the same time, we know we are doing a lot of things very well in the A-League and will try to share our football vision and operational knowledge with PSV’s.”
PSV most recently won the Dutch Eredivisie in 2018, but are currently nine points clear at the top and look set to be crowned champions again this term.
They boast 11 KNVB Cup trophies to go with 24 league titles, as well as one European Cup (1988) and one UEFA Cup (1978) in the trophy cabinet.
Four Australians have also played for PSV previously – Socceroos great Jason Culina, A-Leagues legend Archie Thompson, Australia international Trent Sainsbury and Aziz Behich, who is on loan at Saudi side Al Nassr from Melbourne City.
Speaking to the club’s newly-forged partnership with Adelaide, PSV head of youth development Ernest Faber said: “The clubs will share expertise and insights on matters such as scouting and youth development.
“This is also a great commercial opportunity for PSV.”
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