Kristian Shevchenko, the son of Ballon d’Or winner and football legend Andriy Shevchenko, has signed with seventh tier side Sholing FC.
The 19-year-old has signed a permanent deal with the Boatmen following spells in Chelsea, Tottenham and Watford’s academies.
He was most recently at Championship side Watford, playing for their under-21 team, but was released by the Hornets in May.
Southampton-based Sholing have some big names involved in the running of the club, with Premier League players Levi Colwill and Matt Targett both playing a role in their growth.
Chelsea and England defender Colwill is associate director and community ambassador while Hull City’s Targett has a younger brother Brad who plays for the Southern League Premier Division South side.
Manager Paul Doswell said a recent change in transfer strategy at the club was behind the signing.
“The move came from some of our coaching staff and their links in academy football,” he told BBC Radio Solent.
“We spoke to Kristian last week and he’s 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.
“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.”
Former Ukrainian striker Andriy 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.
