Portuguese and Brazilian youth football legends in new deal

Sporting Clube de Portugal has signed a partnership with Internacional de Porto Alegre, focusing on youth training and the sharing of scouting information. Representing Sporting CP were Alvalade board members Rui Caeiro and Luís Roque, in addition to SAD administrator Guilherme Pereira. For the Brazilians, vice-president Roberto Melo and director of football Deive Bandeira were on hand.

"Inter is one of Brazil's most historic clubs in term of youth training", said Luís Roque reflecting on the deal, continuing: "The club has sent a lot of players to Europe in recent years and they have a really rich training tradition. That is why we wanted to sign this partnership. Our histories coincide and so do out interests. This will be about sharing information on players...These agreements include players who are at the advanced stages of youth football and who can come into our B team. It complements what we already do and who knows, maybe even a Sporting Academy in Brazil could materialise."

Roberto Melo was also visibly satisfied with the deal, noting: "It is a pleasure to be here to sign this partnership, which I think is really important to our two clubs, who are both known for their youth football. Both clubs have more than 100,000 members and more than 100 years of history. I am sure this will translate into a successful partnership."

CIES study puts Alvalade well ahead of the rest of the Portuguese pack

Sporting CP occupies 4th place in terms of youth training in European football, in a study undertaken by the International centre for Sports Studies (CIES). Alvalade sits just behind Ajax, Partizan and Dynamo Zagreb in terms of players participating in European leagues.

A total of 54 players produced at the Sporting Academy can be found across Europe, eight of which are still playing at Alvalade.