SAMCHEOK, South Korea, July 24 (Yonhap) — The eastern South Korean city of Samcheok and the Premier League giants Manchester City announced Thursday they have reached an agreement aimed at enhancing youth football development and coach education.
According to Samcheok, located in the southernmost part of Gangwon Province on the east coast, the partnership deal is Manchester City’s first in South Korea.
This photo provided by Samcheok on July 24, 2025, shows the city’s officials in talks with representatives from the Premier League club Manchester City. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samcheok said Manchester City’s coaches will visit the South Korean city twice a year to run youth football programs — the first one is set for September — and also train local coaches.
Also as part of this initiative, a select group of young players from Samcheok will have the chance to travel to Manchester and train with the 10-time Premier League champions.
Samcheok said it will offer full support for the development of young players and local coaches and continue to expand local football infrastructure.
“I am very pleased to have laid the foundation for our young players to develop as they receive structured training from one of the world’s leading clubs,” Samcheok Mayor Park Sang-soo said. “Through close cooperation with Manchester City, we will try to turn Samcheok into a major four-season sports destination on the east coast.”
In their own statement, Manchester City said the short-term programs will have a focus on “technical skill development, tactical awareness, and personal growth” for young players.
“This initial collaboration is seen as a stepping stone towards what both parties hope will grow into a long-term relationship focused on building a strong foundation for football development in the region,” the club said.
Manchester City have been among the world’s most successful clubs since a takeover by Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.
In 2018-2019, they became the first English men’s club to complete a domestic treble, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and the English Football League Cup. They reeled off four consecutive league titles from 2021 to 2024. They claimed their first UEFA Champions League title in 2023, capping a European treble that season.
This photo provided by Samcheok on July 24, 2025, shows a football field at Samcheok Life, Culture and Sports Park in the east coast city, to be used for youth training programs run by the Premier League club Manchester City. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
