MUMBAI: UK pubcaster BBC's commercial arm BBC Worldwide has announced that BBC Magazines is to launch a new weekly football magazine Match of the Day aimed at 8-14-year olds. On sale every Tuesday, it will launch next month.
Inspired by the programme, Match of the Day aims to position itself as the must-read title for all young football fans. It will be packed with star interviews, match results and tables from the weekend, the hottest football gossip, posters, quizzes and competitions.
The magazine also includes an eight-page pull-out skills guide, encouraging children to get active and to increase their chances of becoming a star of the future. The first issue features an interview with Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Supporting the magazine, motdmag.com will feature bespoke football games and up-to-the-minute statistics, which users can personalise to their own team.
The magazine's publisher Duncan Gray says, "Match of the Day is one of the biggest brands in sport and we’re hoping to build on this success with Match of the Day magazine.
"Research has shown there is significant demand for a title aimed at 8-14-year olds focused not only on the star teams and players, but also encouraging young football fans to increase their own knowledge and improve their own game."
The title has a strong and experienced editorial team behind it.
The magazine's editor Ian Foster says, "I'm very excited about the launch of Match of the Day magazine and am confident that the mix of star interviews, results, gossip and skills advice will prove hugely popular with football-mad youngsters."
A TV ad campaign in the UK will support the launch.