BADGERS HAVE NEW-PARTNERS

IT'S one of the most unlikely partnerships of the year, but Eastwood Community Football Club really have joined forces with Benfica!

- John Lyons

The United Counties League Premier Division North outfit are hoping to produce some stars of the future after entering into a five-year technical partnership with the Portuguese giants.

It will see Pro Licence coaches from Benfica relocating to Nottinghamshire to help train players from Under-7 all the way through to the club's newly established academy.

New Eastwood owner Darryl Claypole explained that 'the stars aligned to help bring about the unexpected alliance between the two clubs. Both he and joint first-team manager Martin Ball invested in Mango Football, an innovative and unique player development app.

Mango Football had an association with Benfica and the former's chairman, and ex-top flight referee, Graham Barber knew they were looking for a partner in the UK.

Claypole told The NLP: "We went over to meet them in Lisbon and they came over for a couple of visits, and there was some synergy.