Three UK soccer clubs – Everton, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City – launched a joint strategy on July 25 to develop the Chinese market.

Under the guidance of Lynx Group International, they held a media launch at the New Hong Kong Restaurant on Faulkner Street in Manchester's Chinatown, committing to building exchanges and initiatives with Chinese clubs.

Over the next three years, they aim to increase their profile through a range of activities to assist the development of grassroots football in China. Activities will include complimentary coaching clinics, a range of seminars, player and coach exchange programs and commercial matches.

They intend to actively increase their international profile and supporter base, and generate sustainable income growth.

Liverpool, Bolton and Hull could also benefit from their club's strategies with economic, educational and cultural links generated by the initiative.

This is the first time that three clubs have approached an international market collectively and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has no doubts that this joined up long-term approach is the way forward.

"Experience and longevity are the keys when approaching the Chinese market," he said, "If we are to be a serious long term partner we need to work with a group like Lynx to ensure we lay the right foundations."

Bolton, who have enjoyed their most successful season in the Premiership, want to build on their enhanced international profile and were keen to work with other like-minded clubs. Their chief executive Allan Duckworth said, "We've been looking at China for some time now as a potential future market."

For Hull City, this is another massive step for a club who have enjoyed back-to-back promotions. Chairman Adam Pearson said he was pleased to be able to work alongside two of the Premiership's most successful clubs as his side approach the Asian market for the first time.

(Sinosoc.com July 29, 2005)