A former goalkeeper whose teenage son is leaving his family in the USA to chase his dream of being a professional has described why Watford is the perfect club for his son.

Mike Ammann enjoyed a successful professional career before it was ended prematurely by injury and had a spell at Charlton Athletic before going on to become an MLS All Star, with spells at Kansas City, Metrostars and DC United.

Mike's 16-year-old son Arie has signed a two-year scholarship with Watford this summer after a week-long trial at the club back in March.

Arie trained with first team goalkeepers Manuel Almunia and Jonathan Bond under the guidance of Alec Chamberlain and played in a friendly against Millwall.

Mike said all three men helped Arie see things "most goalkeepers only dream about" and claimed the Hornets have "everything needed for Arie to achieve his dream".

He said: "I am sure there were some jitters at the beginning but he said there was nothing better than training with Manuel and Bondy. Both offered pointers along the way and were willing to help him out which he respected."

"Watford is the best option for Arie at this time," the 42-year-old continued. "DC United offered him an excellent opportunity and is the highest level of competition in the US but I feel joining Watford at this time is the best situation.

"Every player is different but for a goalkeeper, you need to have an excellent coach, daily training at a high level and the commitment from the club to help you succeed.

"Watford has everything he needs and I am happy he has been given this opportunity. It will be a wonderful two years regardless of how it turns out and I think a great life experience for Arie."

He added: "Arie is highly motivated to play at the highest level and has committed himself to achieving that. Time will tell if that occurs or not but I think he is on the right path joining Watford FC."

Mike created his own goalkeeping academy four years ago and last year linked up with GK Icon, which was created by former Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee.

It was Lee who helped set up the trial at Watford where their goalkeeping coach is Lee’s close friend and former colleague and mentor Alec Chamberlain.

Mike said: "This is a massive benefit of GK Icon as the relationships are key to opening doors. As coaches we can help in that regard and then it is up to the player to prove their value and show what they are capable of."

Mike emphasised the importance of Chamberlain; a man he has respected since the American's spell at Charlton between 1994 and 1996.

He explained: "Any time you have a chance to be coached by someone with Alec's experience you jump at it.

"Alec has forgotten more about the game and the position than most will ever know.

"As I look at situations and environments for my son or any goalkeeper to be in, this is by far the best of everything. Arie is going to a club that is very ambitious and is taking the proper steps to achieve that.

"He has a chance to train with an excellent goalkeeper coach, play for a very good manager in (youth team coach) David Hughes that enjoys playing the game the right way and overall be given a chance to prove himself. All you can ask for is to be given a chance."

Arie spent last summer at Norwich City and has also trained at Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Derby County in the past.

Mike said: "All of these times at other clubs have been great for his growth and development. They all offered a great challenge for him and he enjoyed different parts of each club. At the end of the day, I feel Watford is the best option for him all around."

He continued: "Words cannot describe the feeling I had when he was offered a spot with Watford. To see his hard work and dedication be recognised and his potential that Watford sees in him to this point makes me extremely proud.

"My wife and I could not be happier for Arie as well as the rest of our family. We look forward to coming over and watching him play and definitely converting a lot of people in the US to become Watford supporters."

Arie, who is a dual citizen of the USA and Switzerland like his dad, achieved one dream last year after he joined DC United.

But the family see a move to Watford as a better opportunity for his development.

Arie has two siblings so he is moving to England on his own once his play-offs with DC United have finished.

Watford are one of the few clubs who have a direct link between the club and a school for its young players and the Harefield Academy was an important factor in the decision to sign with the Hornets.

Mike confirmed: "Yes he will be attending the Harefield Academy and yes this was very important to me.

"After speaking to David Hughes and hearing directly from him about the importance he and the club place on education, I was convinced Arie would be well looked after.

"We all want him to reach his goal of being a pro but at the same time understand that there are many factors in making that a reality. My wife and I would not have allowed Arie to move to England without the education side being addressed.

"I have had multiple conversations with the education officer Will Davies and the program they have in place sounds like they address everything we were looking for.

"In the end we hope he ends up signing professional terms with Watford FC but worst case is he walks away with his A-Levels and an education."

Mike runs GK Icon USA which has centres in California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Washington, New York, Kentucky, Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia and are adding coaches and locations regularly.

GK Icon, which also has centres across the UK, including Watford and Welwyn, provided the above quotes to the Watford Observer. Click here to find out more about the goalkeeping academy.