Kristian Shevchenko, son of Andriy, signs for seventh-tier Sholing

WHAT HAPPENED
Nineteen-year-old Kristian Shevchenko has signed a permanent deal with seventh-tier Sholing FC. The son of former Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko, Kristian arrives at the Southampton-based club after spells with Chelsea, Tottenham and Watford academies and a stint in Watford's under-21s. He was released by Watford in May.

KEY CONTEXT
Sholing — nicknamed the Boatmen — have recently altered their transfer approach to focus on young players leaving professional academies. Manager Paul Doswell said the change in strategy was behind the signing and that the idea "came from some of our coaching staff and their links in academy football." He added the teenager "is very keen to be part of the model here and see if he can get in the team and progress his football career with us."

The club has high-profile links off the pitch: Chelsea and England defender Levi Colwill is an associate director and community ambassador, while Hull City's Matt Targett has a younger brother, Brad, who plays for the Southern League Premier Division South side.

WHY IT MATTERS
Doswell described the plan as a route for released academy players to continue their development in non-league football: "We've got a real way forward that we're going to sign the best young players that get released from pro clubs and give them a chance to play in non-league football. We'll then hopefully improve them as they're with us and get them back playing in the professional league."

BRIEF NOTE ON FAMILY BACKGROUND
Andriy Shevchenko played for AC Milan, Chelsea and Dynamo Kyiv during his career before retiring in 2012. He won the 2003 Champions League with Milan and clinched the Ballon d'Or in 2004.