Everton are strengthening their presence in South America
It's been a phenomenal start to the Premier League season for Everton. Four games, four wins, and a growing belief that such form - coupled with Liverpool's capitulation at Aston Villa - might see them get another three points in this month's Merseyside derby.
Carlo Ancelotti has won the Premier League's manager of the month after Everton's scintillating start, whereas free-scoring Dominic Calvert-Lewin has picked up the award for best player. While both are worthy winners, it's difficult to deny that the catalyst for the club's strong start is James Rodriguez, who has made a seamless transition to life in England.
James' arrival hasn't just had an impact on the field for Everton; it's also strengthened the club's standing in South America, where the Colombian's starring role in the 2014 World Cup catapulted him to megastar status.
Off the back of that, the club have now announced a partnership with a Chilean club which further strengthens their South American ties. They also just so happen to be called Everton.
Everton de Vina del Mar were founded in 1909 by Anglo-Chilean footballers and named after the Goodison Park club.
It is hoped the partnership will help grow Everton's brand across Latin America. The Chilean club's owners, Grupo Pachuca, also own five other clubs based in Mexico and Argentina, and the deal will see the clubs work together in a number of areas.
'The new relationship will see the development of several new cross-continent initiatives including knowledge sharing – particularly in youth development and coaching, talent identification, marketing and retail and fanbase development,' a
statement from Everton said.
