Kevin McCabe, currently a resident of Brussels, is at the forefront of the initiative that could benefit the progression of White Star Woluwe in Belgium and help Sheffield United extend the development of its own professional players in Europe and beyond.

Sheffield United cemented their relationship with Belgian Third Division outfit White Star Woluwe in early 2007. United Plc Chairman, Kevin McCabe, and his White Star counterpart, Michel Farin, hosted an event which was a opportunity for community leaders, journalists and potential sponsors to discover just what the two clubs had in mind.

They were joined by Blades Football Club Chairman Terry Robinson who has played a major part in sourcing the first wave of players to be registered with United but placed at White Star.

Throughout the last few years United have invested considerably in their business model and infrastructure to underpin their efforts to achieve Premiership status whilst retaining financial security and economic growth.

The Blades have recognised that football clubs are too reliant on on-pitch performance to be true business entities, and realised that the key to sustainable profits is to build a business with diversified revenues.

One should sustain the other and the Blades have become a model for English league clubs who want to establish themselves in the market place and aspire to be members of the top flight.

White Star Woluwe hope to emulate Sheffield United by becoming one of the most progressive clubs in Belgium, and we are happy to add some of our own expertise. Their facilities are already impressive but the future is being shaped by:

- plans to build a fully functional hotel near the club's home ground which will supplement the club's income and benefit the community

- the imminent completion of a new block of changing facilities

- plans to build a 5,000 all-seater stand at Stade Communal Fallon which will then have corporate and dining facilities, plus a health and fitness centre

- White Star's current home attendance which can rise to over 1,000. The club has 450 young players on its books, mainly attracted from the local community, and with development both figures are expected to swell.

The partnership will benefit both clubs on the playing front. United's extensive scouting network sources quality players from abroad and those with qualification hurdles to overcome before being eligible to play in the UK, will be drafted in to boost White Star's promotion challenge.

Kevin McCabe said: "It's an exciting development and one we are pleased to announce. This is not a lazy association, we are in it for the long term. Like many clubs we are keen to sign the best young talent available and because many of them cannot get work permits straight away, this is the best way to do it.

"But everyone benefits. White Star's recent form shows that and if they continue to prove their worth then they can come to us. Likewise, if a White Star player shows promise then we'll have an option but they'll benefit from a proper transfer fee."

Keep informed about White Star by checking their official English language web site.
www.whitestar.be/index_en.htm