The Bluebirds have joined forces with the University of South Wales – and together they are aiming to develop football in China.
Their joint target is to develop the next generation of football experts in China having launched a new international degree.
The agreement will see Cardiff City FC staff assist in the recruitment of students in China, who will then study the BSc Football Coaching Development and Administration degree at USW’s Pontypridd Campus.
Tan Sri Vincent Tan agreed the partnership with Professor Helen Langton, USW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Championship leaders Cardiff are on a high after opening their season with three successive wins and Tan, who flew in from Malaysia to watch his Bluebirds, is delighted with this new agreement.
During the three-year full-time on-campus course, Cardiff City FC will also provide work-based learning placement opportunities for the students. Those on the course will benefit from USW’s expertise in both football and business.
Tan Sri said: “I’m pleased that Cardiff City are helping to develop football in Asia, particularly now in China and in partnership with USW. We hope to be able to do the same in other countries in the future.
“The launch of the degree is good for Cardiff City, but also for Wales. Wales having a friendship and relationship with China and Asia is great and something that we will nurture.”
Cardiff Chief Executive Director Ken Choo says: “The International Development project at Cardiff City is extremely important to us.
“Our coaches have been based in Beijing for the past academic year, engaging with many children in our partner schools. They’ll be returning in September as part of the staff running and recruiting for the degree.
“Welcoming international students to Wales to aid their development thereafter will be rewarding as they’ll be able to witness how we operate and hopefully transfer it in their future careers. We will work closely with USW and Welsh Government officers in Beijing to help promote the offering and ensure its success.”
Prof Langton said: “USW has become renowned worldwide for the expertise this course offers and how it is developing the football specialists of tomorrow.
“It gives students the skills to work in roles such as coaching, development and management, and focuses on both the football and business-related knowledge needed to develop professionals for the football industry.
“It has been developed in partnership with professional coaching organisations, and we already work with a partner in the USA, which has allowed us to further develop sector-leading skills.
“What we have found is that the array of subjects that are covered, from coaching to business management and sports development, give the graduates some excellent employment prospects in a range of professions, and the chance to achieve Uefa-level licences.”
For more information, please visit southwales.ac.uk