IGBIS Reap Rewards of Everton Affiliation

IGB International School (IGBIS), a leading education provider in Malaysia, is already reaping the rewards of a burgeoning partnership with Everton.

IGBIS joined the elite tier of Everton’s International Academy Affiliate programme (EIAAP) in July, with the aim of boosting their sports provision.

The EIAAP initiative provides clubs at all tiers of the game with access to the finest coaching knowledge from Everton’s renowned Academy to support with growth.

And six months after signing up, the school -  which first opened in 2014 with around 150 students and aims to grow to 1,400 students through better facilities and future enrolment – admits to being a proud Affiliate member. 

Angela Smith, Director of International Football Operations and Global Sports Strategy at IGBIS, said: “We partnered with Everton because we felt the club ethos and values mirrored our own, better than any other proposal that we had seen.

“The bespoke programme is ideal for performance and development of all ages and we have really enjoyed the partnership.

“The level of support has been great and we actually feel a valued part of the football club. The students are invested and true Toffees!”

IGBIS already held a rich reputation as one of the best international schools in Asia - and the only IB school in the country offering all four of the International Baccalaureate programmes.

They opted to work with Everton to build a thriving community-based sports programme for boys and girls and across the local community, with the ultimate aim of provide players aged three and above from the Kuala Lumpur area, as well as those who attend IGBIS, with the chance to learn to play to the best of their abilities, while enjoying football.

Angela added: “The affiliate partnership has helped IGBIS to move forward with clarity and the participants gain skills and enjoyment, partly because the students feel invested in the Everton community and want to do well for them.

“They have a pride in representing the affiliate programme and everyone enjoys the sessions.

“The participants learn and improve while having fun and partnering with Everton gives the players an identity.

“Everyone loves the Premier League in Malaysia and Everton, as one of the founder members of the Football League, are now known for the support of aspiring footballers in this country via this partnership.”

She added: “The coaches also love the Everton Academy methodology and through it, they gain insight into the current methods of coaching and the latest innovations.

“Regular dialogue with the International team reinforces the information provided, while adding to the bank of knowledge that they already have. These meetings help our staff to achieve these aims because any question asked gets a reasoned response.

“We couldn’t be happier with the partnership and our aspirations for the partnership in 2025 are simple; we want to build on the solid foundations that we have made and grow the programme, providing top class coaching and pathways in the sport for all who participate, and crucially retaining the fun element.”

IGB International School can be found at igbis.edu.my

Everton’s International Academy Affiliate Club programme, which is available to grassroots teams, professional sides, youth academies, girls’ and women’s teams, as well as colleges and universities, was launched in 2020.

The programme, which aims to expand the knowledge and expertise of Everton’s player development processes to affiliated clubs across the world, has affiliates in the US, Canada, South America, Africa, Australia and Ireland.

To find out more, visit https://www.evertonfc.com/international/