The island will remain home to its sole professional sports team for another three years. According to the renewed contract, the province will encourage more people to attend Jeju United Football Club’s home games and the team will take a more active role in the community. Mike Laidman reports. Report
[Slug] Jeju United was 2nd in national league last year
The Jeju United Football Club wrapped up last season in second place in the league.
It has also participated in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League for two consecutive years.
Some have speculated that other cities tried to relocate the sports team when the contract between Seogwipo and Jeju United expired.
[Slug] Agreement signed between Jeju FC, Province, and Seogwipo
With this year’s season only a month away, Jeju FC has renewed its contract with Seogwipo City, which means it will continue to be based there.
The renewed contract will expire February 1, 2021.
The three year contract also extends the tenancy of the two grass fields in Seogwipo where the team’s clubhouse is located.
Beginning this year, Jeju United FC will also operate and maintain the Jeju World Cup Stadium.
The contract stipulates that more than 80 percent of home games must be played at the Jeju World Cup Stadium, and that 10 percent of admission earnings be given to the province.
In turn, Jeju will encourage more people to attend Jeju United FC home games by setting aside about 500 million won to better promote the team.
Recording Kim Jae-ung / Seogwipo municipal sports director We will financially support Jeju United FC based on this agreement. This is a part of our efforts to promote the professional soccer industry. <싱크 : 김재웅 / 서귀포시 문화관광체육국장> "많은 관중을 늘리기 위해서 도에서 재정적인 지원을 일부 하는걸로. 그거는 쌍방간의 문서를 통해서 일정부분 프로축구 활성화를 위해서….“
The team announced that it will participate in more community activities, like offering workshops and camps for young players.
INTERVIEW An Seung-hui / CEO, Jeju United Our team hasn’t done much for the local community in the 12 years since it moved here. But beginning today, athletes will visit schools to teach students between training seasons. <인터뷰 : 안승희 / 제주유나이티드 대표이사> "지난 12년동안 제주Utd가 과연 제주도민에게 깊숙이 밀착돼 있는가에 대한 반성을 많이 했고요. 선수들도 훈련만 하지 말고, 훈련이 없는 기간 동안에는 학교 등에 가서 재능기부하는 (계획으로….)"
Jeju United FC has been one of Jeju’s partners since 2006 when it first moved here.
[Reporter] Mike Laidman [Camera] Moon Ho-seong
Taking its aim at coming first in the K-League this year, Jeju United FC is also looking ahead to earning more admiration and support from the island.