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The development of campus football has export and bottlenecks
The development of campus football in China has faced a significant bottleneck, with key milestones dating back to 2015-04-13 at 10:14. Since the release of the "Overall Plan for the Reform and Development of Chinese Football," football has gained renewed interest within the industry. Campus football, in particular, has received strong backing from local governments and educational institutions, marking it as a central pillar in China’s football reform efforts.
Policy support has been a driving force behind this growth. In 1979, Deng Xiaoping emphasized the importance of starting football from youth, laying the groundwork for future development. More recently, President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed the need to nurture young talent through football, reinforcing the idea that football should be introduced early in children's lives.
Amidst the slow progress of national football, focusing on youth and promoting campus football has become a strategic move. The 2014 National Football Congress in Hebei marked a turning point, with the Ministry of Education taking a leading role. This was interpreted as a clear signal that football would now be integrated into schools. The conference also produced reports and development plans that highlighted the importance of campus football.
In October 2014, the State Council issued a policy emphasizing the promotion of both campus and social football. Later that year, the Ministry of Education launched a national research meeting to develop an upgraded campus football plan. These steps confirmed that campus football had become a major focus in 2014, reflected in numerous policies and meetings.
The "Overall Plan for the Reform and Development of Chinese Football" included 14 mentions of campus football, covering talent development, league systems, and national team building. By 2020, the goal was to train 50,000 football teachers, and by 2025, 50,000 special football schools nationwide. Wang Dengfeng of the Ministry of Education emphasized that campus football is not only about talent cultivation but also a breakthrough in school sports reform.
At the 2014 National School Sports Working Conference, Minister Yuan Guiren proposed establishing a four-tier football league system. Later that year, the State Council clarified that the Ministry of Education would lead campus football efforts, with collaboration from other departments. This shift in mindset marked a new era for campus football.
The Chinese Football Association, while traditionally involved in youth football, now works closely with the education sector. Wei Xiangxiang noted that both sectors are committed to integrating sports and education. Although the Ministry of Education leads the initiative, the sports department continues to play a crucial role in competitions, training, and teacher development.
Cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the Chinese Football Association has deepened, with the formation of the National Youth Campus Football Team signaling a new phase. Across the country, initiatives like Beijing’s campus football development plan are being implemented, including football in exams and strengthening physical education curricula.
With active government support, campus football is progressing rapidly. The shift in strategy is already showing results, as schools and students fall under the Ministry of Education’s oversight. This change in governance helps streamline operations and encourages better coordination among various departments, ultimately supporting the long-term growth of Chinese football.