In line with the Club's objective to continually improve and further develop, a new department was established in September 2005. The International Department was created to grow the Club outside the UK by utilising the existing expertise from all areas of the business.

The objective of the department is to create long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with other clubs, sporting organisations, governments and commercial partners, where Everton can create a permanent presence in the particular market. Everton believe the only way to have a successful international strategy is to give something back to the community in which you operate and the Club utilises, amongst other things, its renowned Everton in the Community programmes and the work of the Everton Academy for this purpose. The Everton Way is the vehicle the Club is using to spread good coaching practice internationally.

The Community and Academy department have established a strong partnership with the Ontario Soccer Association in Canada, developing a unique community venture called Play Soccer. The purpose of this programme is to encourage youth to 'play soccer' and thereby increase participation levels in football and sport in general.

The Club is also working on projects in the United States and in discussions regarding partnerships in Australia, China, Japan, India, Malaysia and South Africa. All the partnerships are designed to promote the Club and to help the partner's activities in the specific regions.

For more information regarding the international initiatives undertaken by Everton follow the links below.

You can also contact International Development Manager, David Cook. david.cook@evertonfc.com or +44 (0)151 286 6866.