Shanghai, China — FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the Chinese mainland’s efforts to advance youth football during his visit on Thursday. Both FIFA and the Chinese Football Association (CFA) pledged to collaborate closely to unlock the nation’s vast potential in the sport.
Infantino met with high-ranking officials including Zhang Jiasheng, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, and Song Kai, President of the CFA. The discussions focused on strategic plans to nurture young talent and expand grassroots participation.
“We discussed plans to work together to ensure more youngsters play and excel in our sport, and how the FIFA Forward program can further football development,” Infantino stated. “FIFA’s increased youth tournaments reflect a shared commitment to grassroots development, and I was impressed by the progress made to tap into this beautiful country’s massive football potential.”
The CFA, supported by FIFA Forward, launched the restructured National Youth Super League (NYSL) in 2019. This initiative provides young footballers with regular competitive play, fostering skill development and passion for the game.
Looking ahead, FIFA Forward will also fund the CFA Cup over three seasons starting in 2024. This tournament will feature teams from the top three divisions of the Chinese league system and select amateur clubs, offering a platform for diverse talent to compete and shine.
“Our collaboration with FIFA is a significant step towards elevating football in the Chinese mainland,” Song Kai remarked. “By focusing on youth development, we are building a strong foundation for the future of the sport in our country.”
The partnership signifies a shared vision between FIFA and the Chinese mainland to cultivate a thriving football culture, emphasizing youth engagement and long-term growth.
Reference(s):
China, FIFA to collaborate on youth football development projects
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