Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC on Wednesday announced a historic three-year International Club Partnership with Watford FC of England’s Premier League.
An association which will be mutually beneficial for both regions, it will cover footballing and non-footballing aspects.
This partnership will help in the development of footballing eco-system in Odisha. Coaches from Watford will help Odisha FC set up youth systems and players from the Bhubaneswar-based ISL club’s Elite Youth team will get an opportunity to train with Watford’s first team and/or academy team.
Watford and Odisha FC will collaborate and promote different grassroots programmes also. The clubs will also work towards the development of women’s football in the state and across India.
Ahead of ISL, Odisha FC can travel to UK and train at Watford as a part of their pre-season training and also play friendly matches there. The two clubs will cooperate with each other in selection of players, appointment of coaching and support staff, improving tactical and technical the game aspects for their respective first teams.
“We are excited and proud to announce a unique partnership with English Premier League club Watford FC. With both clubs looking to grow their brands globally, the partnership provides a unique platform to not only share best practices in all areas of our club but enhance the development of future players,” Odisha FC president Raj Athwal said:
