Young Footballers Unite in Zhangjiagang, Embracing Passion and Values

Strategic Insights -

The "Future Classroom -- Young Football Players Reunited, Building Future Football Dreams" event brought together nearly 250 young athletes and students in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, to ignite a passion for football among aspiring players. Organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), the Chinese Football Association (CFA), and the Zhangjiagang Municipal People's Government, the event preceded the "Beibei Cup" Youth (U12 Boys) Football Tournament. The gathering aimed to foster teamwork, willpower, and cooperation skills among the young players, emphasizing the importance of football in promoting physical and mental well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The event attracted nearly 250 young athletes and students, showcasing the growing interest in football among Chinese youth.
  • The "Future Classroom" event is an extracurricular educational platform launched by the CSCLF in 2018 to nurture well-rounded young individuals.
  • Prominent figures in Chinese football, including former "Beibei Cup" participants Yang Chen and Zhao Junzhe, and coach Jiang Kewei, shared personal stories and promoted values of "health, happiness, and progress."
  • Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of teamwork, willpower, and cooperation skills, highlighting football as a platform for building physical strength and developing social skills.
  • The event featured football activities led by former players, including Yang Chen, Zhao Junzhe, and Jiang Kewei, which included warm-up exercises, pole relay races, and nine-square grid challenges.
  • Students participated enthusiastically, writing their football dreams on colorful stickers and expressing hopes of becoming international players and strengthening Chinese football.

Statistics:

  • 248 young athletes and students participated in the "Future Classroom -- Young Football Players Reunited, Building Future Football Dreams" event in Zhangjiagang, July 16, 2025.
  • The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) launched the "Future Classroom" event in 2018, aimed at nurturing well-rounded young individuals.
  • The "Beibei Cup" Youth (U12 Boys) Football Tournament has a 26-year history, making it the earliest and longest-running tournament of its kind in China.
  • The event preceded the "Beibei Cup" tournament, which began Wednesday evening in Zhangjiagang.

Sources:

  • State Council News
  • Photo courtesy of CSCLF
  • [State Council News] - People's Republic of China -- State Council News
  • [Contify.com] - MIL OSI China News