The event's promotional ambassadors Yang Chen (L) and Zhao Junzhe (R), former Chinese national players gift shirts and a football to junior players. [Photo by Jin Liang/Xinhua]

In addition, the local authorities are fully behind the development of the competition with Bian Dongfang, deputy mayor of Zhangjiagang, stating his wishes for the continued development of the event.

"As the birthplace of the Beibei Cup, Zhangjiagang enjoys a special connection with the event. It is not only a marker of the city's sports industry, but also a reflection of China's ever-increasing focus on football reform," Bian said.

Initiated in the Fenghuang town of Zhangjiagang in 1983, the Beibei Cup is China's most renowned football event targeting teenagers aged of 12 and under. The annual event was carried out consecutively until 2001 before being relaunched in 2016.