19 year old, Jin Hui beat off competition from 18,000 other young hopefuls to clinch the top prize of a place in Everton’s academy.
Chinese officials claim that up to 130 million people watched as Jin Hui make it through the selection process to win the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The programme and indeed, the final selection decision was overseen by Everton Academy director Ray Hall. He praises the honesty of the programme makers and explained that although Jin Hui will spend time at Everton, he will not be guaranteed a spot in David Moyes’ first team squad.
Hall said: “The prize is an experience at a Premier League club, obviously our own. It wasn't about the winner 'will play for Everton'.
"I think if Jin Hui achieves a professional contract anywhere around the world then it will be a real achievement for him."
The winner himself told BBC Radio Merseyside: "There are many people who like the English Premier League in China. I can improve a lot through training and playing in the games."
i tink e main purpose is to sell jerseys in China..haha
Everton strike jackpot liao loh.
Originally posted by a-Lost-9uY:i tink e main purpose is to sell jerseys in China..haha
U mean replicate one huh? LOL.
Nothing to be surprise of... I think their sponsor may have something to do with it... Afterall, they are sponsored by a chinese company aren't they?
in china, i don't think the chinese gives 2 hoots about everton.
Originally posted by zocoss:Nothing to be surprise of... I think their sponsor may have something to do with it... Afterall, they are sponsored by a chinese company aren't they?
chang beer is thai
Originally posted by redDUST:
chang beer is thai
Oh yeah, not their present sponsor, I guess their previous one...
Kejian their previous sponsor brought Li Tie to Everton in a deal brokered by the sponsors... I guess they may still have their connections...
Another one was Li Weifeng, who had a short trial at Everton, as part of a deal with Chinese sponsor Kejian.
However, Li was unable to convince the Everton coaching team for a permanent deal and returned to Shenzhen.

so the communist going to invade EPL too huh?