Orduspor chairman confirms Arsenal Elite Academy project

2012-06-13 08:07:00

Orduspor Chairman Dr. Nedim Türkmen's has confirmed that Arsenal will be launching an Elite Acadmey in partnership with Orduspor.

Türkmen told LigTv reporter, Ömer Güvenç, "Arsenal have six academy centers located across the world, the club plans to launch their seventh academy [Arsenal Elite Academy] in Ordu.

"Arsenal will be scouting the players themselves and selecting their own coaching staff. Club officials will inspect the academy every four months.

"As a club we will be focusing our efforts on developing youth players as well as our academy, it's the only way a club with a limited budget like ours has a chance to succeed.

"Our squad is worth €40 million but we are trying to compete against clubs with squads worth €400 million. However, with the new UEFA Financial Fairplay regulations set to come into play it could level the playing field," he said.

The Arsenal Elite Academy system run by former player Steve Morrow was established in 2001 and has been set-up in six countries, most recently in Greece.

Orduspor are currently managed by experienced Argentinian coach Héctor Cuper. The club is based in the city of Ordu located in the central Black Sea region of Turkey.