Burnley link up with Canada

Last updated : 04 July 2007 By Tony Scholes
Canadian born international Owen Hargreaves
Our league's currently feature such as Paul Stalteri at Spurs, Paul Peschisolido who has just left Derby and Ipswich Town's Jason De Vos, all Canadian born players who have learned their trade at home before heading to England. And don't forget that the England side currently includes new Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, a Calgary born Canadian of English parents.

Now Burnley are hoping to tap in to the potential and have linked up with Canadian 'Soccer' Academy Bryst International and two of our Centre of Excellence coaches Geoff and Robbie Smith, both former apprentices and now UEFA B Licence coaches, are currently in Canada coaching for two weeks at their camps. They will be coaching the youngsters and evaluating them for a potential future career in the game. This week Geoff and Robbie are with Bryst at McDowell Park in Mississauga and next week they will continue at Centennial Park in Etobicoke.

The link up has come via Tom McLean from Bryst who spent two years as an apprentice at Burnley before moving to Canada, and already two youngsters have been over for trials with the Clarets. Bryst are considered the top company for their work with youngsters and are now beginning to develop a player and coaching relationship with the Clarets.