Filming began last month on "a new reality TV show that will follow the fortunes" of footballers from a Chinese amateur club who will compete with each other "for the prize of lining up" against Man City in England, according to Richard Cook of the ASIA TIMES. The team’s squad, "which has been put together especially for the show, will compete on camera at various levels in China" before traveling to Britain to meet Man City’s U18 side. In what is believed to be "the first football-focused reality TV series to be broadcast in China," the show -- called Football Mania -- is a partnership between Guangdong TV (the show’s maker), Tencent Sport, City Football Group (which owns Man City) and the English club’s official partner in China, Zhong An Holdings. Using a "well-worn X-Factor-style format, the show will follow the squad as it is gradually reduced in number," with each episode focusing on "the ups and downs of the different team characters as they vie for their place in the team." Man City "sent a dedicated project unit to China before filming commenced" and has provided the team’s head coach and training strategies. This unit will return to China over the next two months as filming "spreads across the country" (ASIA TIMES, 2/8).
