China to promote football in schools with specialist zones

BEIJING -- China has added eight experimental zones to promote football on school campuses, taking the total number of such areas to 12, according to the Ministry of Education.

The 12 experimental zones include Yunnan Province and cities such as Shanghai, Chengdu and Xiamen.

"Schools are encouraged to work with research institutes, social organizations and enterprises to promote football in elementary and secondary schools," said a guideline released by a national campus football leading group Tuesday.

The leading group, spearheaded by the ministry, will grant funds for the experimental zones for three years and help introduce top foreign coaches.

The number of schools specialized in football in experimental zones will be doubled in five years, and physical education teachers must boost training in football skills and increase exchanges with coaches, according to the guideline.

"Creation of football pitches should be strengthened while making full use of existing pitches," the guideline said.

It also stressed the improvement of the insurance system for students injured while playing football.

The government plans to establish a football development system suitable for young football players by 2020.