Captain Nigel Dunkerley, Vice President of St. Andrews FC Malta, recently embarked on a promising venture to Winnipeg, Canada, following an invitation from Eikon Sports Canada. This three-day showcase featured over 40 players and four teams, consisting of athletes who had recently graduated from college and university leagues as well as senior football. The event highlighted emerging talent from North America, marking the beginning of a potential transatlantic collaboration between the two entities.
Captain Dunkerley’s visit was facilitated by Josh Carabatsakis, founder of Eikon Sports and a FIFA-licensed agent. Carabatsakis and his team had previously left a lasting impression on St. Andrews FC during the club’s public open trials in July, where Eikon’s professionalism and the quality of players they provided stood out. This latest invitation allowed Dunkerley to gain firsthand insight into the untapped potential of the North American and Canadian football market.
The collaboration between St. Andrews FC and Eikon Sports is built on shared ambitions to nurture talent and create pathways for players. During the event, Dunkerley delivered a presentation introducing the vision and operations of St. Andrews FC and its Luxol Academy, as well as the Mediterranean College of Sport. The presentation highlighted the opportunities Malta offers for players seeking to develop their football careers while pursuing their education.
Carabatsakis praised St. Andrews FC for its commitment to exploring the North American football landscape. “It was a pleasure to welcome Nigel to Winnipeg and showcase the talent we have. We’re excited about the opportunities Malta presents for our players and the potential collaboration this represents for both organizations,” he said.
The partnership is already looking toward medium and long-term goals. Eikon Sports is scheduled to visit Malta in early 2025 to observe training sessions and matches at Luxol Academy. This visit will provide an opportunity to further solidify ties and explore the potential of an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two entities.
Such an agreement could formalize a collaborative approach to football and education, creating a steady pipeline of talent from North America into Malta’s football ecosystem. Both organizations are eager to capitalize on this relationship, leveraging the strengths of Canadian and American football markets while offering players a unique chance to grow within the European football environment.
St. Andrews FC Malta’s commitment to expanding its scouting network reflects the club’s ambition to remain at the forefront of football development. By aligning with Eikon Sports, the club hopes to provide Canadian and American players with an entry point into European football, while also strengthening its roster with promising talent.
With plans for future visits, ongoing exchanges, and a shared commitment to player development, this burgeoning relationship between St. Andrews FC and Eikon Sports has the potential to reshape the way North American talent transitions into European football. Both organizations are optimistic about the opportunities ahead as they work together to unlock new possibilities for players and clubs alike.
