The Premier League wrapped up a landmark week of fan and community engagement activities in India, marking its first major initiative in the country since opening its Mumbai office earlier this year.
The week-long programme, led by former England striker Michael Owen, celebrated both the League’s passionate Indian fanbase and its deep-rooted commitment to grassroots football development. The week began with Premier League Live, a vibrant fan park at the NESCO Centre, organised in partnership with the League’s official broadcast partner JioStar. Over 1,000 fans gathered to experience a true Premier League matchday atmosphere, with live screenings of several matches, including Leeds United vs Tottenham, Manchester United vs Sunderland, Arsenal vs West Ham, and the marquee clash Chelsea vs Liverpool.
Fans were treated to live music, food stalls, and interactive football-themed activities, along with the rare chance to take photographs with the Premier League Trophy a highlight of the event.
Adding to the excitement, Michael Owen joined the celebrations, accompanied by Indian cricketer Sanju Samson, a passionate Liverpool supporter. The duo engaged in a fun cross-sport challenge, with Samson testing Owen in a penalty shootout before switching roles for a cricket face-off a moment that delighted fans and quickly went viral on Star Sports and Premier League social media channels.
Fans Meet Their Hero
Later in the week, Owen met supporters from his former clubs Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle United during an exclusive fan meet-and-greet session. The event featured a Q&A, quizzes, and a photo session, giving fans a chance to interact directly with one of England’s football icons.
Reflecting on his experience, Owen said:
“It’s been an incredible week in Mumbai. The passion and knowledge of Indian fans are phenomenal. The Premier League Live event had amazing energy, and meeting the coaches working at the grassroots level was inspiring. India has long been an important part of the Premier League’s global community, and this visit reinforced that connection.”
Empowering Grassroots Coaches
The week concluded with the Premier League Community Coach Development Programme, held in collaboration with the British Council. The initiative builds on the League’s two-decade-long mission to nurture football at the grassroots level in India. Led by coaches from the Premier League, Brentford, and Newcastle United, the programme trained 27 community coaches from across India, focusing on expanding access to football and creating safe, inclusive sporting spaces.
The three-day programme culminated in a showcase event at the Cooperage Football Ground, attended by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who interacted with the coaches and watched them lead training sessions for 80 children from the Oscar Foundation.
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director, British Council India, highlighted the partnership’s impact:
“Sport is a powerful driver of inclusion and opportunity. Our 18-year partnership with the Premier League has empowered thousands of coaches and educators to create safe, inspiring environments for children. Through football, we are helping young people in India learn, grow, and thrive.”
Since its inception, the Premier League British Council partnership has trained over 41,000 coaches, referees, and educators, impacting more than 2.2 million children and young people across 29 countries.
Strengthening UK–India Sports Relations
The Cooperage showcase also welcomed officials from the British High Commission, underlining the Premier League’s growing role in promoting UK–India cultural and sporting ties.
With its Mumbai office now operational, the League has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to India both as a key fan base and as a development hub for grassroots football. Through a blend of fan engagement, coach education, and collaborative programmes, the Premier League aims to continue growing its presence across the country in partnership with JioStar and local football institutions.
About the Premier League
The Premier League is home to some of the most competitive and compelling football in the world. Using the power and global reach of its competition, the League and its clubs work to inspire fans and communities both in the UK and across 189 countries. Available in over 900 million homes worldwide, the Premier League continues to unite fans, celebrate diversity, and strengthen football’s global community.
