Tottenham "has expanded its push into Chinese markets with a series of grassroots initiatives that are being supported by club sponsor AIA," according to Paul Nicholson of INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL. The club "reckons it has more than 180 million fans in the Far East." The club has five official supporters clubs in China and "is supported by popular Chinese social media channels and a Chinese-language website to further engage its fans." The Chinese initiatives "include a week-long coaching clinic in Shandon Province" supported by former Tottenham player Ledley King. King said, "Tottenham Hotspur has a great track record of supporting grassroots football development around the world and China has become a key focus for us in recent years." The coaching team "will be working closely with players and coaches from Chongding FC, sharing ideas and passing on the Spurs coaching philosophy." The club said that "it has committed to supporting development of grassroots football in China, in line with government objectives" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 11/17).
