Everton America is the umbrella term for the Clubs' activities in the United States and the concept is based around partnering local sports organisations and helping them to replicate and learn from the activities Everton undertake on a daily basis in their own specific territory.

Everton's first affiliate in the US was based in Texas, comprising of over 30 boys and girls youth teams and Everton have now entered into similar agreements around the country. Everton America Maryland and Everton America Connecticut recently launched and the Club is continuously looking to expand and are in dialogue with several other potential partners in the US. The Club is also working closely with other organisations in the US (Everton Affiliates), such as the New England Soccer School in Massachusetts.

Everton's international philosophy is naturally based on the core values of the Club, which is that we want to be part of every day life as we are on Merseyside. The way Everton try to achieve this is to establish a permanent presence in the local community that we operate in. By working with local organisations we have the opportunity to have a positive influence and provide positive experiences surrounding football. It is part of Everton's philosophy to provide 'football for all' and not only focus on elite development. The Club uses the term 'youth development', which covers physical and mental development on and off the pitch regardless of gender and/or physical capability.

The Everton America partners and other affiliates have the opportunity to host Everton coaches and teams, as well as sending their own coaches and teams to the UK as part of the development process. The Club will help implement development programmes for coaches and players, soccer camps for elite and recreational players, Everton America tournaments, community programmes (school development, disability, social inclusion etc) and a variety of other tried and tested activities.

The different partners working with Everton have rights and responsibilities for their own assigned territories, but they are also urged to work together with the other members of the 'Everton Family' in order to establish a 'best practice' when it comes to youth development, coaching and club administration. Everton will proactively help to develop this with all partners by providing access to the Everton Academy (produced players such as Wayne Rooney) and the award winning charity, Everton Football in the Community.

For more information regarding Everton America or other international initiatives undertaken by Everton, please contact International Development Manager, David Cook. david.cook@evertonfc.com or +44 (0)151 286 6866..