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Some BCFC Tour Objectives . Promote BCFC in Hong Kong and China Develop football training schools Create an awareness of Birmingham City Increase fan base in H.K. and China Enhance marketing of BCFC merchandise Leave a lasting legacy of B C F C ’s tour

An Enhanced Opportunity English and Football in China Speak or Learn English. Watch and/or Play football Chinese National The intersection of these 3 subsets is a specific target market.

The Facts The population of China is over 1 400 million people. The Using/Learning English Population of China is around 250-300 million The number of people that watch and or play football is enormous and growing. Football is arguably China’s largest spectator sport alongside Basketball.

Facts and Idea Many Chinese people are, or want to learn to be able to write, speak and listen to English competently. Many people learn languages through something they like doing. Football can provide a novel experience and a practical and fun way of learning English.

Visionary Proposition Further promote and extend fan base and exposure of BCFC through learning English. Create and maintain special English/Chinese website 365 days a year, with novel/new material, for learning English, through football.

How is this Effected? Provide a weekly updated learning English website, linked to the official BCFC website. The website will contain the following:- Match Reports In The News BCFC Everyday English Birmingham/Football Focus. Online support. Young reader stories. Other sections may evolve.

Further Opportunities. Write BCFC player profile books, for tour. Develop Brummie Beau reading book series. Podcasts to support the written word. Create phrase book - CD English/Chinese

Cost effectiveness. A Great Marketing Tool at small cost. Outgoings. Website design and on going support. Author remuneration and translator services allowance. Time liaising with staff within the BCFC organisation.

Unique Marketing Advantages. EPL a leader in world sports. Birmingham City FC only Premiership Club visiting HK & mainland China 2010. English most widely used language in the world, used in business/medical /sports/ politics/ legal/ research scenarios. Birmingham is England’s second largest city, home of the industrial revolution. A possible link can be nurtured with modern day industrial China.

EPL Language Websites. Below is a current survey of foreign language websites linked to official EPL team websites. Team /Language Chinese Korean Russian Italian Arabic Japanese Chelsea # # #______________ Manchester United # # # # Arsenal # # # Manchester City #________ This survey was taken 16/6/2010, it shows the popularity of the EPL worldwide. It is noted, that China has 400 million internet users, the population of Europe. BBC 17th June 2010.

Some Chinese Football History. The original football game was invented in China around 50 BC, however modern day football rules, England 1863. Modern football popular around 1900. Chinese Football Association 1949. First professional sport in China 1994. Goal Project for China (part of FIFA Goal Project) invested in China to help build the new headquarters of the CFA. By 2013, it is hoped that through these projects that China will rank in the top 20 in the world by 2013.

Chinese Football Perspectives. A recent Guoan Beijing spectator recently said “Parents are so keen to ensure children are academic, there is no time for football.” so lets link football and English. Interest of football in the public is very high. Everywhere you go you'll see children playing a game of football, However their first team, will usually NOT be Chinese, but an international team. 2009 190 million viewers tuned into watch the Super League, a record figure and a significant gain from 137 million in 2008, with an average attendance in the stadiums increasing to 16,300.

Time to Reflect? The forthcoming Tour by Birmingham City FC has the potential to create a lasting bond between Chinese people, through football and the learning of English. Promotion can be expensive, this is a positive contribution to extending links with China, enhancing the tour experience, by leaving a 365 days 24 hour legacy behind at modest cost.

Improvements Revisions. This website has gradually been formed as time and finance permits. It should have English/Chinese page titles and introductions. Material will need to be scrutinized and checked for all entries, but especially for young readers. The format of the website could be more engaging, however my experience in this field is limited I am learning fast! Currently no audio experiences, potential of making pod casts. However with ‘official’ input from the club, I believe the website or one like it, has tremendous potential in promoting the club at minimum cost. I would also like to play a part in this exciting innovation if approved.

What Next? Thank you for taking the time to read this presentation. If you are in any way interested in exploiting this exciting way of promoting BCFC. I would be very grateful if you could contact me, preferably by e mail at keith.hillman@hotmail.com or bcfc@football-english.com My Mobile telephone number is 66 0863188057