Chelsea FC News Release [+]

Wednesday, July 1

BAYONNE, NJ – After inking a development deal with Chelsea Football Club of the English Premier League in the offseason, the newly named Match Fit Chelsea Academy of New Jersey has compiled a USL Super Y-League record of 18-12-3 to this point in the 2009 season.

The most successful team playing under the Match Fit Chelsea Academy banner, the club’s U13 girls are currently 5-1-1. They are just a single point back of Parsippany SC and the New Jersey Stallions, who are tied for the division lead with 17 points. The top four teams in the Mid Atlantic U13 girls Division earn a place in the 2009 North American Finals.

Nipping at their heels, the club’s U15 boys are currently 4-1-1. They sit fifth in the division, 18 points back of Westchester, but with five matches in hand. A total of five teams will advance to the U15 boys’ North American Finals.

The affiliation with Chelsea, announced in November of 2008, focuses on establishing training sessions for the New Jersey based youth teams. Chelsea FC will also support Match Fit through player and coach exchange programs.

“'Match Fit is one of the leading youth football academies in America,” said Chelsea FC’s Chief Executive Peter Kenyon. “Our programs will exchange information and coaching techniques, with the goal of benefiting both organizations. Chelsea is committed to advancing the game of soccer at all levels in America, including the development of young elite players for professional sport.”

To kick off the new partnership, Chelsea's top academy personnel, Academy Director Neil Bath and youth coach Paul Clement, joined Match Fit for a coaching Q&A during the Academy's visit to America.
“Partnering with Chelsea gives us the opportunity to not only stimulate the development of youth soccer in the Tri-State area, but across the entire country,” said Match Fit’s Director of Operations, John Calcaterra.
“Chelsea wants to develop the game,” added Calcaterra. “[They are] opening themselves up to the sharing and collaboration of curriculum. This is a monumental partnership in the history of American youth soccer.”
Match Fit includes approximately 400 registered youth soccer players, girls and boys aged from four to 19. The academy is based in Central New Jersey and extends to New York and Pennsylvania.

“'We are incredibly honored to partner with Chelsea as we will get an insider's look at their coaching philosophy and training techniques,” said Match Fit Director of Coaching and Player Development, Malcolm Murphy. “We are excited about the trickle-down effect from our Chelsea partnership, and how the club will influence our players. This partnership opens us up to a world of opportunity, as we will be exposed to the Chelsea brand of soccer.”