Kristian Shevchenko, the 19-year-old son of former Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko, has signed for Sholing FC, a club based in Southampton that competes in the seventh tier of English football, the Southern League Premier Division South. This is a permanent transfer.
Shevchenko previously went through the academies of Chelsea, Tottenham and Watford, with his most recent club being Watford in the Championship, where he played for the under-21 side. He was released by Watford in May.
Shooting boss Paul Doswell told BBC Radio Solent that the recent change in the club's transfer strategy was the reason for the signing. The move, he said, came from some members of the coaching staff and their connections in academy football. Doswell added that they had spoken to Kristian the previous week and that the player was very keen to be part of the club's model.
According to Doswell, the club will sign the best young players released by professional clubs, give them the chance to play in non-league football, improve them while they are with them and return them to the professional leagues.
Levi Collier and Matt Target are involved in the growth of Sholing FC. Collier is an associate director and community ambassador at the club, while Target is a player for Hull City, with his younger brother playing for Sholing FC.
Andriy Shevchenko is a former Ukrainian striker who played for AC Milan, Chelsea and Dynamo Kyiv during his career, retiring in 2012. With Milan he won the Champions League in 2003, and in 2004 he won the Ballon d'Or.
