We're delighted to announce a new long-term partnership with New World Premiership side, Waimak United, from Christchurch, New Zealand. Our exclusive partnership will allow players from SSUSA to head across to New Zealand to experience elite level football, in a beautiful country, taking their first steps on a path towards professional soccer. As part of this unique collaboration, we will also assist youth prospects at Waimak United in heading to the USA on a soccer scholarship, using our network, and bespoke service to ensure each player is placed at an institution that will provide them with opportunities and elite future prospects.

We spoke with Director of Football at Waimak United, Harry Trethowan who stated: "It’s such a great option for some of the young men and women at Waimak to have the chance to continue their football career whilst gaining a degree. From our side it allows our players an extra pathway for them to choose which will help them continue grow as footballers and, more importantly, as people. The chance to experience life in a different part of the world is something that will add great life skills to each individual." He continued "the chance for our young men and women to have an additional path to their career is huge. Each individual will grow and have different aspirations about what they want to achieve and experience in life, so to be able to offer this route is very exciting for us at Waimak."

Director of SSUSA, Lyle Gifford shared similar thoughts: "It is a great opportunity for our boys and girls to test themselves in an elite environment in a beautiful country, with a professional soccer pathway open to them, should they succeed on the field. With neighbours, Australia just across the water, the opportunities for players will be huge. We're delighted to partner with an ambitious club, who's vision matches our own in developing the best young talent around the globe". The partnership will enhance the exit opportunities graduating SSUSA athletes along with providing a clear pathway into full-time football. "We're looking forward to getting started with the Waimak United and after speaking with Harry, I know the club is in great hands working towards our shared ambition of assisting talented athletes on their journey". [Gifford, on the opportunities for the players at Waimak United currently] "To be able to provide a clear alternative option for players who are looking play at an elite level, whilst getting a first class education is something we take great pride in. We are ready to get started and help the next wave of talented Kiwi's through to the USA over the coming years".

Trethowan closed with: "It’s a great route for any aspiring football player from New Zealand. The standard in America grows with every passing year so to be able to offer these players a chance to test themselves in a different environment is massive. The icing on the cake is that they’ll gain a quality education on the way and make some memories that will last a lifetime. We are so grateful to be able to team up with SSUSA. To set up, plan and move to the other side of the world is a daunting experience for anyone so to be able to have that personal touch and support with SSUSA is a huge opportunity for us here at Waimak. We cannot wait to start seeing our first success stories in the near future."

As part of this exclusive agreement, SSUSA staff will head out to New Zealand in 2025 to network with the club and promote the US collegiate pathway to their elite academy players.

If you're interested in becoming a partner with SSUSA, please drop us an email at info@ssusa.co.uk to highlight your interest.

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