Fleetwood Town International Football Academy (FTIFA) have been working closely with a number of clubs and organisations in Dubai over the past week to gain links for the programme back on the Fylde Coast.
FTIFA coaches Mick Horsfall and James Ward flew out to Dubai last week to showcase and highlight the range of programmes that players from the UAE can access with the help of FTIFA.
On the trip, there was a visit to British FC, a club run by former Preston North End Academy youth coach Andy Collins, to check out the facilities and to discuss coaching ideas.
Over 50 players attended a fantastic Talent ID session, with all players taking part in a Q&A session about the FTIFA programme, all before looking at the very popular Rossall Football Education courses.
Mick Horsfall, FTIFA Coach said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to come and work with British FC.
“On what has been a difficult week globally, FTIFA have provided a real pathway for many of these players, and once we have some stability back on global scale, these boys will be accessing what Fleetwood Town has to offer."
Further meetings with schools in Abu Dubai and DESSC took place, to offer FTIFA the chance to promote their pathways. The final collaboration was with City Of Dubai FC. Former Fleetwood Town U18s Assistant Manager, Mason McClelland was on hand to help FTIFA on their final visit.
With a range of ideas and plans being shared to support both organisations, the two parties will shortly have a SLA drawn up over the net few weeks.
James Ward, FTIFA Coach added: “My previous knowledge of Dubai and working relationship with Mason leads me to believe that there are lots of possible benefits to be had for both parties.
“Player pathways into Dubai for current FTIFA players is there as well as Talent ID clinics for the Dubai City aspiring players. All of the partnerships we have created this weekend will enable FTIFA to continue to attract new players and support existing ones to.
“Our promotion of the Football Studies course to the partners is a really exciting prospect. With the appointment of the new Director of Football at Rossall, we can continue to push all areas of the FTIFA programme.”
Check out what FTIFA has to offer, by visiting their website here.