Saints expand partnership with Hartford Athletic

The link-up between Saints and Hartford began late last year, with Radhi Jaïdi being appointed as head coach of the Connecticut-based team and young winger Tyreke Johnson also moving to the US east coast on loan.

The partnership will now also see Southampton’s successful Global Programme integrated into Hartford’s Youth Soccer Platform. This will involve a focus on coach and player development, partnering on camps and clinics in both the US and UK, as well as the club’s expanding online programmes for grassroots coaches.

Hartford aims to provide opportunities for youth players and coaches through its commitment to grassroots soccer as well as providing a professional pathway to support its mission of a first-class professional soccer experience and to build a community through the world’s most popular sport.

Mark Abrahams, Director of Business & Community Development at Southampton, said: “We’re delighted to be developing our partnership with Hartford Athletic to complement their Youth Soccer Affiliate program.

“We see real synergy between Hartford’s vision and the Southampton Way and look forward to working with the Hartford community in both Connecticut & Southampton.”

"We are thrilled to deepen our relationship with Southampton as we continue to strengthen our Club on the pitch and deliver professional pathways for youth players in our region," said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell.

We see a real synergy between Hartford's model and the southampton way.

mark abrahams
Director of business and community development

"We are proud and grateful to work with Southampton as our partnership continues to bring us great knowledge, players and coaches on an ongoing basis.

"Southampton's assistance in securing Paul Buckle as Technical Advisor, Radhi Jaïdi as Head Coach, and standout winger Tyreke Johnson demonstrate the strength of our developing relationship. The Southampton Way has already served as an excellent model for us, and we look forward to continuing to work closely as we grow as an organization."

For further information on the partnership or the club’s Global Programme, contact global@saintsfc.co.uk.