Kids
Nick obtains kids’ media rights for MU Premier Cup
LONDON: Nickelodeon has received exclusive kids’ media rights to the Manchester United Premier Cup tournament in Beaverton, Oregon.
An official release informs that Nickelodeon channels around the world will premiere a 30-minute special this August offering viewers highlights from the largest and most prestigious football tournament in the world for kids under 15 years old.
In addition, 33 newly produced vignettes shot around the world featuring professional players, as well as kids competing for a place in the youth tournament finals, will premiere on-air this month.
UK production company TWI is producing the new vignettes that will debut on Nick globally. These will feature both kid and professional players, each spotlighting a unique, inspiring story reflecting the different cultures that are united when it comes to playing and enjoying the game.
Parts of the programming will comprise a half-hour highlight special that will premiere on Nick channels globally in August, along with new footage from the event itself featuring kid and professional players.
Professional players confirmed to appear in the vignettes or special include Roberto Carlos (Brazil), Brett Emerton (Australia), Freddie Ljungberg (Sweden), Fernando Torres (Spain), Landon Donovan (US – men) and Mia Hamm (US – women).
The channels are also running a contest to send kids to the tournament, enabling them to participate in a Football Clinic with professional Manchester United players, among other activities. Viewers can enter the contest via local Nick web sites, as well as by telephone and post.
At the tournament, kids and their families will be able to watch the Manchester United first team train, participate in the Football Clinic training sessions with professional football players, and watch all of the matches including the finals.
The release informs that 20 youth football teams from across the globe will gather in Beaverton from 15-18 July to compete for the chance to become the Manchester United Premier Cup champions for the year. With more than 107,000 players across five continents and 40 countries participating in qualification matches over the last year, the Premier Cup showcases some of the brightest football stars of the future.
Senior director programming, acquisitions and content development, Nickelodeon Europe Jules Borkent said, “We’re excited that Nickelodeon has received the exclusive kids’ media rights to the Manchester United Premier Cup. Football is by far the most popular sport worldwide, and our programming and contest dedicated to the Manchester United Premier Cup will inspire kids to play, watch and learn in a creative environment that only Nickelodeon can offer.”
The release states that the Premier Cup was developed by Nike a decade ago with the aim of providing junior players at grassroots level with the opportunity to compete in a high quality international tournament and test their skills against the best in the world.
For the first time this year, the Premier Cup will be jointly organised by NIKE and Manchester United, as part of the commitment both have made to invest in a grassroots football programme that will focus on youth participation and skills development.
According to a press note, Nickelodeon is seen in 279.1 million households and 156 countries, with channels and branded blocks in Africa, Asia and the Pacific Rim, Latin America, Europe, CIS/Baltic Republics and the US.
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
