Aston Villa targets India in football’s race for global fans and footballers

WITH the two Manchester clubs trying, and largely failing, to make an impact on China this week, Aston Villa’s new Chinese owner has set his sights on India as the next target for English football clubs.

Dr Tony Xia, who bought the club last month, said he “plans to expand globally” and has targeted having an Indian Super League club and football academies across the country.

Despite being relegated from the Premier League, Aston Villa has also been appointed as an advisor on football to the Indian Government.

The club will open its first football academy outside England in New Delhi, a move announced by Dr Xia after five days of talks that included discussions with with India’s sports and education ministries.

Dr Xia added: “Aston Villa has one of the best football academies in the world and has fans all over the world and some of our famous supporters include David Cameron, Prince William and Tom Hanks.

“Using our network we also want to help promote the U17 FIFA World Cup being held in India next year and make it a big sports celebration.”

India’s ambition is to be as successful at football as cricket and ultimately host the World Cup by building from grassroots.  

Villa’s academy will train coaches to work in the state schools and coach children from the age of five upwards.