Arsenal teams iRENA on soccer school programme in China

English Premier League giants Arsenal FC are set to open “a number of Arsenal Soccer Schools” across China after securing a partnership with iRENA, a leading Chinese sports and cultural development company, according to Arsenal.com.

Despite the length of the deal not being released, the EPL side announced the club will “embark on an exciting new programme to drive grass-roots football across China” with its new long-term official soccer schools partner.

The sides are planning to open soccer schools in five Chinese cities by the end of 2016—“firstly in Shanghai and Chongqing and an additional three later that year”.

To ensure that the principle of “playing the Arsenal way” is incorporated consistently, Arsenal will offer sessions led by Arsenal-trained coaches as well as club coaches at “selected Arsenal Soccer Schools each year”.

To help promote the schools, iRENA will be able to utilise a range of sponsorship rights including access to players and legends, digital and social promotions and tours of Arsenal’s training ground facilities.

“We are delighted to announce this agreement with iRENA and are looking forward to helping develop the game in China”, said Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s chief commercial officer Vinai Venkatesham.

“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”, he added.

Mr Hong Gao, iRENA’s chief executive officer, said: “This partnership with Arsenal is very exciting. Football in China is growing more and more popular and the government is particularly committed to encouraging youngsters to play.

"We are happy to be contributing to this through our partnership with Arsenal, who have a fantastic reputation for nurturing young players. We will be opening a number of Arsenal Soccer Schools across the country, with approximately 300 children at each school."

Source: Arsenal.com

Proofread by John Devlin