After academy, Liverpool FC cafes soon in India

Liverpool Football Club fans in Indiacould be able to enjoy their favourite drinks and food at the club's sportcafes with its country partner considering to open eating joints here.

Noida-based Carnoustie Group, which has inked a deal withLiverpool FC for opening the club's football academy, said it will consideropening club-branded cafes and lounges too.

"Yes, we will look at launching cafes and lounges oncewe begin (the Liverpool academy),"Carnoustie Group Director Rajesh Malik told reporters on the sidelines of thelaunch of the football academy.

Carnoustie has signed an agreement with Liverpool FC forsetting up academies in Indiawhich will be headed by former star Steve McMahon.

"This agreement is exclusive in nature and covers allthe businesses of Liverpool FC, be it merchandise or cafes that can be carriedout by Carnoustie in India,"Malik added.

He, however, did not elaborate on the details.

In the UK,Liverpool FC has Boot Room Sports Cafe that offers fun and family-orientatedexperience to fans, who can also enjoy live sports at the eating joint.

Mumbai-based Mirah Group has already launched ManchesterUnited casual all-day dining cafe bars in the country targeting fans of theclub.

Asked if Carnoustie has any plans to launch officialLiverpool FC merchandise for the fans in India, he said, "Yes we willlaunch the merchandise, too,...We begin the academy in October and then willtake other plans forward."

"We will have to see how the response (for the academy)is in the market, from the students and then will take a call on future courseof action," Malik said.

He declined to provide details on exact investment beingmade by the company for setting up academies. Established in 2006, Carnoustie Group has interests insports, real estate and hospitality.

The group owns a Polo team - Carnoustie Lions - and apara-gliding academy as well. It is also engaged in golf courses developmentand consulting.

"We aim to set up academies for 5-6 differentsports," he added.