HONG KONG: The Tottenham Hotspurs football club of the English Premier League has announced an official club partnership with South China.

The announcement on the English side's official website yesterday said the new partnership will focus on football and commercial development. The partners will share coaching methods and techniques and there will be exchanges of visits by coaches.

Both sides also plan to use the agreement to develop further opportunities.

Tottenham Hotspur Executive Director Paul Barber said, "Tottenham Hotspur already has an established following in Hong Kong and given the history and success of South China they are a welcome partner. The agreement with South China is an exciting opportunity for the Club to grow in a key commercial market."

Steven Lo, chairman of South China Football Management Committee, was quoted in the article as saying, "South China is seeking to venture internationally and is honored to be Tottenham Hotspur's first club partner in Asia."

The partnership begins with a two-year initial contract with an option for further engagement.

South China becomes Tottenham Hotspur's fourth official partnership. The Club currently has a successful partnership with the South African league champions SuperSport United, MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes and Sport Club Internacional (Inter) of Brazil.

Tottenham Hotspur played South China as part of the Club's pre-season tour of the Far East. The new partnership means more friendly matches could be played between the two clubs.

South China has won a record 39 First Division League titles, 20 Senior Shields, nine FA Cups and two League Cups.

(HK Edition 11/04/2009 page1)