Watford FC announced on Wednesday that they have signed a three-year international club partnership with Indian Super League (ISL) team Odisha FC.

This collaboration will be mutually beneficial for the regions where each club operates and will cover both football and non-football aspects.

The partnership will play an important role in the development of the football ecosystem at Odisha, where coaches from Watford will help set up systems for youth, while members of the elite youth team from the ‘Odisha FC will have the opportunity to train with the Watford players.

#A new dawn in the truest sense of the word. We are delighted to announce a three year international club partnership with @ premier league club, @WatfordFC.

This partnership is set to change the landscape of football in Odisha.

A big welcome to #LesFrelons! #OdishaFC #AmaTeamAmaGame pic.twitter.com/XE6NCOHh6y

– Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) September 1, 2021

Watford and Odisha FC will support each other in recruiting and training young footballers, and will work together to promote grassroots programs. The clubs will also work together to develop women’s football in Odisha State and across India, with friendly matches organized between their women’s teams.

In addition, the Bhubaneswar-based team will have the opportunity to train at Watford as part of their pre-season schedule, also playing friendlies in England, and clubs will share ideas on marketing and visibility on social networks.

@WatfordFC @OdishaFC pic.twitter.com/ZXx5XqQMxi

– Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) September 1, 2021

Watford FC Commercial Director Paul O’Brien said of the partnership: “It’s something really, very different and we like to get involved in new things that offer really different experiences for the club and our staff. . “

“The partnership with Odisha FC gives us a chance to get a real insight into the global appeal of football and gives us a great opportunity to share lessons with an equally ambitious club,” he added.

Odisha FC club president Raj Athwal said: “We are delighted and proud to announce a unique partnership with English Premier League club Watford FC. With both clubs looking to grow their brands globally, the partnership provides a unique platform to not only share best practices in all areas of our club but enhance the development of future players. “