Manchester City strike new deal with SoccerWorld

Manchester City have signed a new regional partnership with sports organisation SoccerWorld to give aspiring footballers in China access to improved facilities and training programmes.

The agreement, signed during a ceremony held at the City Football Academy, will see SoccerWorld become the club’s official recreational soccer partner in China

In fulfilling their own part of the deal, Manchester City coaches will head to China twice a year to offer one-week training programmes for SoccerWorld coaches, potentially enabling them to improve the opportunities they offer for young footballers in the country.

Conversely, SoccerWorld participants will also be given the chance to come to the UK and visit the City Football Academy, where they will train with MCFC’s coaches and sports scientists.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, City Football Group’s commercial director, Omar Berrada, said: “SoccerWorld are an ideal partner for Manchester City. We both share a passion for encouraging people, children and adults, to regularly enjoy the physical and social benefits of playing soccer in safe, secure and fun environments.

“As the leading provider of recreational soccer facilities in China with ambitious plans to grow we are excited to be able to partner with them so that they can use our global football brand to increase participation at all levels of the game and support the broader national focus on enhancing the domestic soccer industry.”

He continued: “Our partnership with SoccerWorld presents a strong platform on which we can continue to build Manchester City’s relevance, engagement and commitment to China by offering a national organisation access to premier football facilities and services that will allow them to contribute to the growth and development of football across the region.”

SoccerWorld’s CEO, Chengen Fan, explained that in China, the organisation already has over 20 training facilities and operates 200 pitches. The new agreement with City, he believes, will offer a “new start” for SoccerWorld.

He commented: “Together with Manchester City, we will focus our efforts on ensuring young footballers who train across all of our grounds have access to the best facilities and coaches available.

“The future looks bright with Manchester City and we can’t wait to get started.”