PREMIER LEAGUE PARTNERSHIP WITH MAGIC BUS IN INDIA
(29 January 2007)

Chancellor Gordon Brown today launched the Premier League's international development strategy in Mumbai, India. Speaking at the announcement of the first of these projects - a three year partnership between the Premier League and Magic Bus, a Mumbai-based sports development charity - the Chancellor said: "Everywhere you go in the world people want to talk about English football, the players and their clubs. I cannot congratulate the Premier League enough for using this power - you could describe it as England's secret diplomatic weapon - to good social effect."

Magic Bus offers children the chance to build their self-confidence, work in a team, develop communication skills, learn about health and hygiene and most importantly encourage girls and boys to play together, breaking down gender barriers and influencing community development.

"You can see here today what Magic Bus is all about - opportunity and community - and it is fantastic that the Premier League have teamed up with them to invest in these people."

"A three year commitment by the Premier League - not just here in India but in Africa and South East Asia too - speaks volumes about what Britain has to offer the world, and how in turn Britain is viewed."

The Magic Bus organisation currently works with 4,000 children and delivers weekly sports sessions close to the children's homes and residential camps at the Magic Bus Centre for Learning & Development, two hours outside Mumbai.

Matthew Spacie MBE, Founder of Magic Bus said: "We are delighted to be launching this new partnership with the Premier League, an organisation which we see as providing a benchmark in the footballing fraternity. We look forward to sharing best practice in using football for child development and social inclusion projects."

For more information visit www.magicbusindia.org