Nestle MILO and FC Barcelona have announced a four-year global partnership aimed at enhancing the quality of life of children, with a series of initiatives to make healthy and more active lifestyles aspirational and accessible to children in Asia, Oceania, Africa and Latin America.
The programmes organised in this partnership are designed to inculcate healthy, active and value-based lifestyles for children especially at their foundation years of seven to 12 years-old.
Starting 2017, MILO and FC Barcelona will be scaling up and expanding its grassroots programmes which have proven to be a unique contributor to children’s physical activity and will leverage technology innovation and build strong synergies with FC Barcelona Escola (FC Barcelona Football School) to help develop the next generation of football talent.
Over the next four years, children in Asia, Oceania, Africa and Latin America can also look forward to initiatives organised by MILO and FC Barcelona such as:
- Opportunities to develop and enhance football skills through a football tournament that aims to reward both goals and teamwork and incorporates Tiki-Taka.
- Opportunities to receive professional training from the world’s best football coaches where MILO will be selecting and sending kids to train at the legendary Camp Nou.
- MILO will be delivering a series of pop-up, mobile football fields delivered by the popular and well-loved MILO van to make recreation and play areas more accessible for kids.
Xavier Asensi, managing director Asia Pacific, FC Barcelona said: “Teamwork is the key for our partnership, and FC Barcelona and Nestle MILO are on the same team. Our values are complementary to Nestle MILO’s and through the various programmes and activities over the next four years, we aim to educate children about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the importance of exercise and physical activity as part of their growth."
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"Like MILO, we believe that through sport, children will gain the necessary tools and essential values which will give them the best start and set them up well for their adult lives.”
One of the key initiatives in Singapore in 2017 will be the launch of the MILO Cup, a local soccer tournament for young children between the ages of six to 14.
The best players from the MILO Cup will be subsequently shortlisted for the opportunity to train overseas with FC Barcelona.
In addition, local football icon, Fandi Ahmad will be the MILO Cup’s ambassador. He will be among the panel of judges selecting Singapore’s best and brightest.
“The platform, which is complimentary, seeks to inspire active lifestyles for kids in Singapore and will help identify the next generation of local sporting talent. We’re excited to build on MILO’s rich heritage of championing young people and sport through this fresh partnership,“ said Mr Chow Phee Chat, director, marketing communications and corporate affairs, Nestle Singapore.
The partnership between the world’s largest food manufacturer and leading Catalan football club was first announced in November 2016 at Camp Nou in Barcelona and MILO has also become the official tonic food drink of FC Barcelona. This is also the first time Nestlé has teamed up with a major football club.
Patrice Bula, executive vice president, Nestle SA said: "As the world’s largest food manufacturer, Nestle is committed to make a difference in the lives of children across the world. By educating young people about the importance of sport and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, we will build a better future for the next generation."
"Participating in sports and team activities is a great way for young people to learn the values of fairness, effort, respect and confidence. Building on these shared values, we are delighted to partner with FC Barcelona and develop a series of sports programmes with our well-known MILO brand, designed to encourage more young people to take part in sport and enjoy a balanced diet. With this partnership, we aim to make a difference to lives of millions of children across the world.”
MILO currently reaches 22 million children each year through on-going grassroots sports programmes and, together with the global reach of FC Barcelona, targets to help millions more over the next four years.
