Everton Welcomes Pike Soccer To Affiliate Programme

Pike Soccer, a bastion for youth soccer in Georgia for over three decades, has joined forces with Everton in an exciting new partnership. 

The US-based club has joined the growing Everton International Affiliate Programme (EIAAP) to help grow their thriving, community-based programme. 

This exciting partnership also further strengthens Everton’s global grassroots network and reflects a shared commitment to youth development, coaching excellence, and community impact. 

Founded in 1989, Pike Soccer has been a cornerstone of youth soccer in Georgia for over 35 years, striving to develop well-rounded young athletes by instilling a love for the game of soccer, promoting sportsmanship, and nurturing the growth of essential life skills. 

The club serves a diverse and passionate soccer community, offering programmes for players of all ages and skill levels.  

Chris Garland, Director of Coaching at Pike Soccer said: “The Pike Soccer Community is thrilled to partner with Everton.  

“This collaboration directly aligns with our mission to provide our players with unparalleled opportunities for growth and development.  

!We are confident that this partnership will be invaluable in helping us expand our program and benefit our players, coaches, and our club for years to come.” 

By joining Everton’s EIAAP, Pike Soccer will gain direct access to the Club’s renowned International Academy coaching methodology, training resources, and development expertise. 

As a valued member of EIAAP, Pike Soccer will also benefit from year-round collaboration with Everton International Academy staff, both through in-person and virtual sessions.  

The burgeoning partnership also opens doors for curriculum sharing player development, coach education, talent identification programmes, and cultural exchange initiatives worldwide. 

Mark Thompson, International Technical Coaching Manager said: “We are delighted to welcome Pike Soccer as a partner club to Everton’s International Academy Affiliate programme.  

“I am sure this will prove a fruitful partnership for both organisations, and I know our team of coaches are excited to work alongside the team at Pike Soccer and their team in building on their proud reputation.  

"By sharing Everton's strong values and renowned coaching methods we aim to further enhance both our affiliate programme and Everton’s growing presence and impact in the United States." 

The partnership with Pike Soccer marks another important step in Everton’s mission to positively impact global youth football by sharing best practices, empowering coaches, and inspiring the next generation of players through the Club’s heritage and expertise. 

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, click here.