The team from Norrköping, Sweden, is now an official affiliate club
Villarreal CF has reached a collaboration agreement with Swedish club IK Sleipner. With this agreement, the team from Norrköping has joined the Villarreal Academy international expansion project as an official affiliate club.
IK Sleipner will work hand in hand with Villarreal CF to implement the innovative methodology from the Yellows Academy to help the development of its players and coaches. Selected players from the Swedish team will have the opportunity to visit Villarreal CF in Spain to participate in the Player Training Week and Team Playing Experience programmes where they train with or play against the Submarine’s youth teams.
The Swedish club has a prestigious history. Founded in 1903 and crowned national champions in 1938, for many years IK Sleipner was one of the most important clubs in the Scandinavian country. The club currently competes in the Swedish second division. John Zerihoun, a member of the board of IK Sleipner, praised the financial and sporting management of the Yellows, and highlighted Villarreal’s ability to bring players through from the academy. “What Villarreal has managed to do is outstanding. The story of Villarreal CF has many similarities with Sleipner. To learn, adapt and exchange experiences as well as knowledge with one of the best clubs in the world is a true honor for us. We couldn’t think of a better partner for Sleipner. There are many things within the club culture of Villarreal that we absolutely love. I must also mention Villarreal’s proven ability to produce extraordinary players form their academy which is absolutely something that we can improve in Sweden.”
This is Villarreal’s first collaboration with a professional club in Sweden. The Yellows also have official partnerships in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, Israel, Kuwait, Australia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia and India, among others.
For more information, visit www.svenskalag.se/iksleipner .
