Three UK soccer clubs – Everton, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City
– launched a joint strategy on July 25 to develop the Chinese
market.
Under the guidance of Lynx Group International, they held a
media launch at the New Hong Kong Restaurant on Faulkner Street in
Manchester's Chinatown, committing to building exchanges and
initiatives with Chinese clubs.
Over the next three years, they aim to increase their profile
through a range of activities to assist the development of
grassroots football in China. Activities will include complimentary
coaching clinics, a range of seminars, player and coach exchange
programs and commercial matches.
They intend to actively increase their international profile and
supporter base, and generate sustainable income growth.
Liverpool, Bolton and Hull could also benefit from their club's
strategies with economic, educational and cultural links generated
by the initiative.
This is the first time that three clubs have approached an
international market collectively and Everton chief executive Keith
Wyness has no doubts that this joined up long-term approach is the
way forward.
"Experience and longevity are the keys when approaching the
Chinese market," he said, "If we are to be a serious long term
partner we need to work with a group like Lynx to ensure we lay the
right foundations."
Bolton, who have enjoyed their most successful season in the
Premiership, want to build on their enhanced international profile
and were keen to work with other like-minded clubs. Their chief
executive Allan Duckworth said, "We've been looking at China for
some time now as a potential future market."
For Hull City, this is another massive step for a club who have
enjoyed back-to-back promotions. Chairman Adam Pearson said he was
pleased to be able to work alongside two of the Premiership's most
successful clubs as his side approach the Asian market for the
first time.
(Sinosoc.com July 29, 2005)