China Accelerates Youth Football Training System Reforms During Beijing Inspection

During an inspection tour in Beijing, State Councilor Shen Yiqin called for accelerating the construction of China's youth football training system and enhancing the development of reserve talent for competitive sports. Visiting local youth training facilities and the Xiannongtan Sports School, Shen emphasized establishing a sound performance outlook, combining governmental guidance with market mechanisms, and advancing sports-education integration to build a solid foundation for the long-term revitalization of Chinese football.

The development of a robust youth training infrastructure is critical to the broader national strategy of transforming China into a sporting powerhouse. By stressing long-term perseverance over quick results, leadership aims to reform grassroots talent cultivation through systematic institutional support, structured school sports, and market participation.

State Councilor Shen Yiqin called for the accelerated development of China's youth football training system and the enhancement of reserve athletic talent cultivation during an inspection tour in Beijing, state media reported. During her visit, Shen inspected the Beijing Youth Football Training Center and observed matches at the Beijing Youth Football "Hundred Teams Cup." She stated that relevant departments must align with the spirit of the National Football Work Conference and establish a correct concept of performance evaluation, urging officials to persevere in strengthening youth training to solidify the foundation for revitalizing Chinese football. Shen emphasized that the initiative should combine a capable government with an effective market. Authorities should ground reforms in domestic realities while drawing on advanced international experience to accelerate the construction of youth training centers at all levels. She highlighted the need to focus comprehensively on academic learning, training, and competition, which includes strengthening the coaching workforce, developing campus football, optimizing tournament structures, and strictly managing competition conduct and discipline. In addition to football facilities, Shen inspected the development of the Xiannongtan Sports School. She underscored that traditional sports schools remain crucial strongholds for nurturing competitive sports reserve talent in China. Shen stressed the importance of respecting the natural growth patterns of youth, refining institutional mechanisms, and deepening the integration of sports and education to ensure balanced development between academic studies and athletic training.