Premier League side Manchester City looks to extend its global commercial prospects with its impending participation in the upcoming Chinese reality TV show "Football Mania." Filming is set to take place both in China and the U.K.
Football Mania is set to feature the story of a new team composed of young Chinese players. Their progress under a training program will be monitored per episode, which will ultimately prepare them for a faceoff against City's Academy team, said the Daily Mail.
The show starts filming its first episodes this month, with broadcasting set to commence in April, according to City's website. It aims to promote football in China, with the ex-Premier League champions' due recognition of the Chinese market's growing interest in the footballing spirit.
Viewers, primarily targeting the Chinese market, will get to monitor the various challenges of the amateur team in focus. Such provides insights on the endeavors involving professional football, with the meshing of various personalities set to give interesting angles along the way.
The amateur team will be sent to train in different training facilities, which includes City's Football academy. Challenges include matches against various teams from China, which will test the players' resolve to remain.
City's desire to expand its commercial portfolio beyond the realm of English football is characteristic of the show, which aims to highlight football development in China. Such has the support of the Chinese government, as evidenced by the Chinese Football Association's current revenue goals for the purpose.
Moreover, the participation of ex-City defender and China national team icon Sun Jihai is set to add greater support for the show among Chinese football enthusiasts. The show's training regimen and head coach will also come from the Blues.
There is an understanding that City ultimately plans to form, if not purchase, a Chinese club as part of its overall goal to cultivate its global presence. China's growing football market provides an incentive for the City Football Group to push through with such a plan.