MUMBAI: English Premier League (EPL) soccer club Chelsea and adidas have announced an extension of their global partnership over the next eight years.

Chelsea and adidas have undertaken a number of successful grassroots projects since 2005. This has included partnering with America’s football clubs to help develop US soccer, and the launch of ‘Blue Pitches’ aimed at encouraging young kids to participate in sport across London with plans to roll them out internationally after the launch of a Blue Pitch in Hong Kong last year.

Chelsea Football Club CEO Ron Gourlay says, “We are delighted to extend our partnership until 2018 after a highly successful first four years. Both organisations are highly ambitious and want to continue in partnership to develop globally and for us, grow in our key market territories across Asia and North America.”

adidas CEO Herbert Hainer says, “Both adidas and Chelsea have a long and proud heritage in football and we’re delighted to continue our working relationship with one of Europe’s elite football clubs. We look forward to many more years of success, working closely with the club on product, marketing and grass roots initiatives in the UK and around the globe.”