ALBION’S marketing manager has travelled to India with the Premier League to promote the game and our city.

Marc Dring was presenting at the Football Movement Conference, a global football event about sports business and the development of football in India.

In particular, he spoke about the unique relationship between Brighton and Hove Albion and American Express.

Marc said: “We are a local football club leading the way on a global level. It was a great opportunity for us.”

The two-day conference was held in Mumbai and attended by key football stakeholders.

It was organised by the Department of International Trade.

The focus of the conference was commercial sustainability and growth.

It was a fascinating two days and was an invite-only event.

Marc said: “The Premier League is the most watched non-domestic football league in India, much higher than La Liga and other European competitions, and there is huge potential for football to grow in the coming years.

“The fan base is very young, mainly under-25s, and whilst supporters do follow clubs they often follow individual players and engage with the Premier League not just through watching matches, but equally through Fantasy Premier League.

“The most popular Albion players are Solly March, Pascal Gross and Glenn Murray.

“We were obviously thrilled to be asked to take part by the Premier League.

“We will always be a Sussex club, with our local community and supporters at the centre of everything we do, even with the global reach the Premier League gives us.

“If a football fan anywhere in the world watches the Premier League, we want them to know the club’s story and take an interest in our club.

“The Premier League brings a new international audience, as well as visitors to our city.

“We have already seen an increase in demand from international fans, especially around matchday hospitality.”

Cult Indian actor Ranveer Singh was present at the conference.

Marc said: “He’s huge in India and it was important he was at the conference, even though he is an Arsenal fan.”

“The Premier League wants to see big growth and links with India are still in their infancy.”

The relationship between Brighton and Hove Albion and American Express has developed over a number of years.

The club is keen to promote the club, and indeed the city, at every opportunity.

The benefits to both can be immense.