NEW DELHI: Football Delhi Wednesday inked a three-year contract wherein JSW Sports will be the principal partner of the governing body for the sport in the capital.
The partnership was jointly announced by Football Delhi president Shaji Prabhakaran and JSW Sports director Parth Jindal.
As part of the deal, JSW Sports will fund the salaries of the Football Delhi administrative staff and other support staff.
Recently, Football Delhi has hired professional staff in different roles – technical, marketing, finance and management. A full-time professional and paid general secretary has been appointed.
Football Delhi president Shaji Prabhakaran said: “We are thrilled to have JSW as the principal partner of Football Delhi. We are very happy that JSW shares our vision for improving football in Delhi.
“We have grand plans and strategy for football in Delhi but need help and support of as many to ensure that Delhi becomes a model football state by 2021.”
Football Delhi has already announced some initiatives this year. The Delhi FA launched the Centre of Excellence for Girls in May, and the Golden League (Under-9 and Under-11) last month. Now this partnership with JSW could be a huge boost for the association.
“We are proud to partner with Football Delhi,” Jindal said.
“We all know that football in Delhi has a glorious past but steps have to be taken to improve the game in the capital. We are confident that the able leadership of Football Delhi will ensure that football takes giant strides in the years to come.”
The development follows close on the heels of Football Delhi recently sealing a four-year agreement with Mycujoo TV for the live streaming of football competitions and events, starting with the 2018-19 season.
As per the agreement, live streaming of 2,200 matches over the full duration of the agreement is envisaged.
“It’s almost every child’s dream, from when they start kicking the ball, to see themselves featured on the screen when scoring an incredible goal or displaying their best skills, just like their heroes in the biggest competitions. This dream is about to be very real for the kids playing in Delhi, as Mycujoo and Football Delhi have entered into a four-year agreement for the live streaming of football competitions and events, starting with the 2018-19 season,” the web streaming company declared in a press release annnouncing the association.
“We are excited to sign this historic partnership with Mycujoo as their mission is to bring digital technology to the long tail, to grassroots football,” Prabhakaran was quoted in the release as stating. “With this agreement, we will jointly empower thousands of players in Delhi, India to enter the digital world through their playing experience. Grassroots football in Delhi will never be the same again.”
“One of the highlights of this agreement is the Pro League, but for us it is as important if not more to be streaming matches from the Women’s league, grassroots tournaments, community football events and leagues for both boys and girls”, said Pedro Presa, CEO of Mycujoo. “We want to empower players, leagues and federations to create this exciting experience of live streaming, highlights creation and sharing, forming the digital community of the Delhi Soccer Association.”
The first matches to live stream are planned to take place in September for the Delhi A & B Divisions, School Leagues and Golden League.
For the record, JSW Sports is the sports arm of the JSW Group. Other than owning Indian Super League franchise Bengaluru FC, the company also owns Haryana Steelers in the Pro Kabaddi League and holds a 50% stake in IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils.
