China plans big investment in nation’s soccer development

World Today

Photo: CFP

China will significantly boost its soccer potential in the coming years.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission pledged in a plan released Monday that Chinese soccer is expected to be among the world’s leading teams by 2050.

“People’s needs for the sport should be met, whether it is need for playing fields, time, or funding,” the Commission’s Notice of Publishing The Mid- and Long-Term Development Plan said.

“Soccer’s development will be accelerated in schools. The number of schools with a specialty in soccer will reach 20,000 and there will be over 30 million primary and middle school students who often play soccer.”

Story by Xinhua


Mark Dreyer on China’s plan for a strong soccer team by 2050

To discuss China’s plan to produce one of the world’s strongest soccer teams by 2050, Elaine Reyes is joined by Mark Dreyer. He is the founder of the China Sports Insider website.