Football coach developing grassroots game in China

Jonathan Warburton (centre) has been helping develop grassroots coaches in China

A member of the Wolves Foundation team has travelled to China to help mark the opening of the Premier League's new offices in Beijing.

Jonathan Warburton helped put on sessions for grassroots coaches to better equip them to deliver football sessions in their provinces.

The Wolves Foundation's head of programmes for education, employability and youth engagement said it was "a real privilege".

The Premier League is hoping to create more opportunities for fans in China to engage with the League and its clubs.

Mr Warburton said it was a fantastic experience and an "opportunity for everyone to share their experiences and love of football".

"The local coaches were really enthusiastic and willing to learn, and hopefully will be able to take that knowledge and fresh insight back to their work across the country to help grow and improve the game at all levels,” he said.

He worked alongside coaches from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City to deliver the four-day courses in Beijing.

The sessions were also supported by ambassadors Michael Owen, Nemanja Vidic and Sun Jihai.

The Premier League said it had been supporting grassroots football in China for 15 years.

Working in partnership with the British Council, it said it had provided training to more than 6,300 coaches, referees and teachers in the country.