Premier League Clubs Look For China Growth

30 Nov 2015 | tshego

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Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool are looking to increase support in China as both clubs set up new projects in the country.

Liverpool is going digital, whilst Arsenal is set to drive grassroots football across the region.

As part of a new deal Arsenal – alongside its official soccer school partner iRENA, China’s sports and cultural development company – will open soccer schools in five cities by the end of 2016.

Firstly in Shanghai and Chongqing, each school will offer sessions led by Arsenal trained coaches with the club’s own coaches also travelling to China to deliver sessions at selected schools each year.

Speaking about the partnership, Arsenal’s chief commercial officer, Vinai Venkatesham said: “We are delighted to announce this agreement with iRENA and are looking forward to helping develop the game in China. We will be working closely with iRENA to set up a number of Arsenal Soccer Schools across China and inspire young children to play football the Arsenal way.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool has also agreed a deal with Chinese video service provider PPTV, extending on an initial one year deal signed in February this year.

It will see the Shanghai-based company launch a Liverpool themed television set next year and the 5,000 unit limited release sets will feature logos on the hardware and Liverpool wallpaper on the start-up screens.

According to a report on Chinese sports marketing site Yutang Sports, PPTV will also provide club news and video clips across its digital services.