Chinese technology, content and services company BNN Technology has extended and expanded its partnership with English Premier League football club Manchester City.
Under the new agreement, the length of which was not disclosed, BNN will work with City on developing coaching programmes, delivering unique content and providing VIP experiences for Chinese fans.
As part of the deal, BNN’s Chinese operating partner, NewNet, will work with the club to manage a new programme of four football clinics in Beijing and Hangzhou. The clinics will involve up to 144 players aged 18 and over, and will be overseen by coaches from the club’s City Football Schools programme. A further clinic will take place at City’s own training complex in Manchester.
The two parties will also offer competitions through the Xinhua News football app, with prizes to include placements at the clinics. Other content on the app will include manager interviews, pre-match press conferences, weekly news bulletin videos, weekly training footage and news articles.
In addition, Chinese fans will be given the chance to win fully-paid VIP trips to watch matches at City’s Etihad Stadium, as well as exclusive merchandise including jerseys and signed footballs.
Darren Mercer, chief executive of BNN Technology, said: “City’s expertise and input will be hugely valuable as our Chinese operating partner NewNet builds a programme that will help to improve grassroots playing standards throughout China. We firmly believe that football is a powerful force for promoting social engagement, enriching day-to-day lives and in turn strengthening the base of our consumer-focused operations.”
BNN also holds partnerships with fellow Premier League club Arsenal and Spanish LaLiga outfit Barcelona.