Four-time European champion Ajax Amsterdam announced a five-year partnership with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F on Monday that will attempt to build the best youth academy in China.
In a statement, Ajax director Edwin van der Sar said the youth academy “has been extremely important to Ajax for decades in everything we do,” as reported by AFP.
“Youth is the core asset of our club and we are delighted that we can leverage our knowledge with an international partner like R&F,” the former Netherlands international goalkeeper said.
“It is well known that for a club like Ajax, it is hard to grow in the current European football industry. With initiatives like ACA (Ajax Coaching Academy), we create opportunities to make alternative steps forward.”
