August 17 – Italian league giants Inter Milan have further developed their academy network into the US, opening the Virginia-based Inter Academy Strikers in Richmond.
The project is being run in collaboration with Richmond Strikers Soccer Club, a leading youth soccer programme in the US, in their state-of-the-art facilities and will be run by Inter academy coaches.
The Richmond Strikers are a non-profit youth organisation founded in 1975 that has more than 4,500 registered boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 19 in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan area.
The Inter project will see approximately 500 youngsters aged 8-12 engage in the Inter Academy Strikers initiative, with the aim of leveraging the expertise of Inter Milan’s youth academy.
“This new partnership is a big step forward for the expansion of Inter Academy in the United States and testament to Inter’s huge appeal in a highly strategic market for us,” said Inter Milan CEO Corporate Alessandro Antonello. “Inter are delighted to be able to work with Richmond Strikers, one of the most important organisations in the country, and fly the Nerazzurri colours on the soccer scene in the States.”
Inter Milan’s academy spread has now grown to 15 countries. The launch in the US follows on from the club’s academy debut in Santiago, Chile, in March.
According to Richmond Strikers President, John Mumford, “this collaboration gives our players, coaches, and all aspects of our organisation access to the methodologies and practices of a legendary soccer club that has been an international football leader since 1908.”
Inter’s first team begin their Serie A league campaign versus Monza at the San Siro this weekend.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714496441labto1714496441ofdlr1714496441owedi1714496441sni@o1714496441fni1714496441