Spurs show support for Chinese youth football programme

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, who launched their Chinese language site on the Netease platform last month, have increased their Chinese commitment with further support for the AIA China Youth Football Development programme.

Spurs wore the charity's logo on the front of its shirts for its Premier League fixture against Leicester City on March 21.

The initiative is part of Tottenham Hotspur’s long-term partnership with AIA, which is committed to promoting increased sports participation and healthy lifestyles across the Asia-Pacific region.

The charity aims to promote the development of youth football across China through coach education, the improvement of sports facilities and the increasing participation in rural areas amongst primary school children.

Daniel Levy, Chairman, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “We are delighted to show our support for a cause that is close to the hearts of our principal partner, AIA, and one which we have been involved with since it launched last year.

“Our Global Coaching team, along with legends such as Ledley and Steffen, have been instrumental in delivering coach education workshops out in China alongside football sessions for some of the country’s most disadvantaged young people.

“The Club, through its award-winning Foundation, has a proven track record of using the power of football to create life-changing opportunities for young people within our local community, and we are proud to be able to take this work to a global level in support of the AIA China Youth Football Development programme.”

John Cai, AIA China CEO, said: “We are proud to partner with Tottenham Hotspur to promote the AIA China Youth Football Development programme to a wider audience outside China.

“Football is the world’s most popular sport and this is certainly the case in China. lt has the power to teach young people not only the value of healthy living, but the value of teamwork and perseverance.

“AIA will continue to place a strong focus on providing opportunities for people to engage in healthy activities and in supporting the wellbeing of people and communities in China.”

The long-term partnership between Tottenham Hotspur and AIA provides a platform for both organisations to work together to grow brand awareness in key markets across the Asia-Pacific region, where the Club has an estimated fanbase of over 170 million.