Chelsea are on the verge of launching a major new project designed to target up-and-coming UK-based Asian footballers, the BBC Asian Network reports today (March 2nd).
At present, there are just seven UK-born Asians plying their trade in the top four divisions in England, with none of that total currently appearing in the Premier League.
Professional Footballers' Association assistant chief executive Bobby Barnes explained that the Blues - who have two British Asians coming through the ranks at their academy - are adopting a wise strategy.
He told the news provider: "Chelsea are a business and a very successful football club. I think they have looked at not only the social reason but also looked at the marketing opportunities of this and realised there is a massive football-loving Asian market to be tapped into."
The seven British Asian players currently turning out in the Football League are Michael Chopra, Aman Verma, Zesh Rehman, Anwar Uddin, Adnan Ahmed, Rikki Baines and Netan Sansara.
Chopra, who is on loan at Cardiff City from Sunderland, scored one Premier League goal for hometown club Newcastle and has eight for the Black Cats.
© Copyright
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
