Charlton's American dream

Alan Curbishley hopes Charlton's new football academy in the United States can produce an American Wayne Rooney or David Beckham.

The club, who already have similar set-ups in Spain and South Africa, hope to spot Premiership stars of the future by tapping into America's growing interest in English football and the increasing number of youngsters playing the game.

The academy will be launched in Tucson, Arizona, in May with plans to extend the scheme across the state if it is a success.

"The Premiership is really big overseas, particularly in America," said Curbishley. "The interest is there, and they've got the athletes. Now they need the proper coaching. If any of them are good enough to become Premiership players, hopefully they will come to Charlton.

"The fans have an affinity with players that have been brought through the club's academy ranks and I think we'd get a good response from them if we were able to produce a player from America, although it's not going to happen overnight.

"It can't be long before America produces world-class players. If we can be involved in this from the start, that would be great. Everyone wants to produce a Rooney or a Beckham."