‘They need to build a whole system…That includes creating footballing parents, who know how to take care of their kids and help their talent.’

The News Lens
Date: 2017/01/09
By: James Baron

Cosi O Cosi on Dunhua South Rd. has been a mainstay of Taipei’s dining scene for over a decade now, but the crowd gathered there wasn’t there for the crostini or gelato. An Italian restaurant might not seem like an appropriate setting for the launch of new soccer initiative in Taiwan, but when the project involves English Premier League leaders Chelsea Football Club, the venue kind of makes sense.

Chelsea’s Italian ties are strong: Current manager Antonio Conte is the fifth of his countrymen to helm the West London side. Previous managers include two former players Roberto di Matteo and Gianluca Vialli, who were trailblazing Italian imports to the EPL in the mid-1990s.

But, Italian connections aside, why on earth would Chelsea be bringing the razzle-dazzle of the EPL to Taiwan, a backwater of international football, currently ranked 157th in the world? As Chelsea’s signature “Blue is the Colour” plays in the background, former Taiwan international Andy Chen (陳信安) explains.   [FULL  STORY]