Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 champions Bengaluru FC, on Friday, announced that the club has entered into a partnership with 54-time Scottish champions Rangers FC. The Glasgow-based club is currently managed by former England and Liverpool great Steven Gerrard.

According to the statement released by Bengaluru, the two-year collaboration, which can be extended later upon mutual agreement, will present a number of footballing and commercial opportunities for both clubs.

The partnership entails various facets, including a scouting link up between the two sides with the intent of unearthing the best talents in the country and provide them with the opportunity to develop. Additionally, the Rangers Soccer Schools will also be holding training camps in Bengaluru. The Rangers Academy will travel to India and will also be taking tour groups to Scotland to foster a culture of knowledge sharing. A Rangers Legends side, which will include former Rangers’ players, will travel to India to play, visit Soccer Schools camps and take part in fan engagement events.

The tie-up will also aim to help Rangers grow their international audience in India. The club will also be hosting exclusive match screenings for fans in Bengaluru.

Rangers FC are one of the most successful clubs in Scotland, having won the domestic league 54 times, the Scottish Cup 33 times and the Scottish League Cup 27 times. The Gers, as they are popularly known as, also hold the distinction of being the first British club to feature in the final of a UEFA tournament. They faced Fiorentina in the European Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1961.

"We’re excited and proud to announce our partnership with reigning Hero Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC, especially at this time when football in India, a country of 1.3 billion people, is entering a period of unprecedented growth. The club’s international strategy is a core-pillar to our growth plans and this partnership opens up Rangers to the vast football community in India and provides a great platform for us to engage with our wider fan base, and the South Asian communities at home here in Scotland," said Rangers Managing Director Stewart Robertson after the partnership was officially announced.

Mandar Tamhane, CEO, Bengaluru FC, too, shared his thoughts on the collaboration and said, "It is a matter of pride for us to be partnering with Rangers FC – a club that is laden with history and is one of the top football brands globally. The partnership is based on an exchange of knowledge and services, one that we are looking to make the most of. Bengaluru FC’s endeavour has been to help grow Indian football and our association with Rangers is a big step in that direction. We are excited about the development of our academy, Soccer Schools and grassroots programmes will be exposed to in the coming years. There is also the prospect of our first team visiting and playing a game at the Ibrox, which is something we are looking forward to. We are certain of the success of this partnership."