Youth football competition to take place in Shanghai

China (Shanghai) International Youth Football Invitational, to be held from July 7 this year, aims to improve the quality of China's campus football. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

This year's China (Shanghai) International Youth Football Invitational will take place from July 7 to July 15.

The competition, which has been held in Shanghai annually since 2015, aims to improve the quality of China's campus football as well as promote the sport internationally.

Sixteen teams from 10 countries will participate in the tournament that will be held across four districts in Shanghai: Yangpu, Xuhui, Qingpu and Minhang. The final will be held on Chongming Island.

A host of football-related activities, such as a youth summit, cultural exchanges and training camps, will also be held during the competition period.

"The government has highlighted the importance of the invitational and has held coordination meetings to make clear the tasks of every school and agency involved in the event," Qiao Huifang, deputy director of Minhang education bureau, said at a news conference on Tuesday.

At the Junior Middle School Affiliated to No.2 High School of East China Normal University, the dormitories, dining rooms and laundry rooms have been revamped. Multi-functional lounges have also been created to provide recreational services for the athletes. In addition, the school has specially purchased brand new daily necessities for the participants of the tournament.

"Football is a perfect way to encourage students' interest in sports. It will benefit both their mental and physical health," said Hu Hong, director at the youth sports department of Shanghai sports bureau.

Qian Jianping, a representative from overseas Chinese teams, said that the invitational will help promote Chinese football culture in the world.

Cao Chen in Shanghai contributed to this story.