Valencia to open their first football academy in China

Valencia CF look set to continue the club's expansion plans beyond Spain with a new football academy in China.

The Spanish club has announced a three-year deal with the company Growable Sports to open what will be its first football academy on Chinese soil. The deal was announced at an event in Shanghai which was attended by the club's chairwoman Chan Lay Hoon and LaLiga's country manager for China, Sergi Torrents, amongst others including the CEO of Growable Sports and several Shanghai officials.

Valencia CF's new football academy in China will focus on developing grassroots football in the region, as well as training coaches and organising exchanges and friendly matches.

In his speech at the event, Sergi Torrents spoke positively about the club's commitment to this type of project. "Valencia have one of the best youth academies in the world. The club is committed to developing its youth players and to football's global expansion. This project will see children find happiness in football," said the LaLiga country manager for China.