English Premier League club Bolton Wanderers is considering opening an academy in Pakistan. Last month, Pakistan's Minister of Sport and Culture, Ali Shan, watched the club in action. "I wanted to come to Bolton to appreciate the work the club is doing to develop partnerships with clubs and schools around the world as part of its ambitious International Academy project.," he said. "I understand relationships are already in place in USA, Europe, India and Africa and I am keen to take this initiative to Pakistan. I do believe there is potential of a tie up between some of the forward thinking sports schools and clubs in the Azad Kashmir region and Bolton."
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is keen to foster relationships in the region. "I have a passionate interest in Pakistan having worked there a few years ago," he said, as quoted by goal.com. "I admire the work Minister Ali Shan is carrying out in his home country by putting sport at the top of the social and economic agenda. Cricket is still the King, but football is gathering momentum across the country. With the Barclays Premiership taking the game to the world, football is becoming more accessible. By harvesting relationships with the region, Bolton Wanderers can make a positive impact with a potential partnership going forward."
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is keen to foster relationships in the region. "I have a passionate interest in Pakistan having worked there a few years ago," he said, as quoted by goal.com. "I admire the work Minister Ali Shan is carrying out in his home country by putting sport at the top of the social and economic agenda. Cricket is still the King, but football is gathering momentum across the country. With the Barclays Premiership taking the game to the world, football is becoming more accessible. By harvesting relationships with the region, Bolton Wanderers can make a positive impact with a potential partnership going forward."