Wudang steps up youth football development

The second National "Shuguang Cup" Youth Football Tournament kicked off on July 27 in Rongjiang county, attracting 97 youth teams and more than 2,000 players from across China. The Wudang Primary School team, representing Wudang district, delivered an impressive performance, reflecting the progress made in the district's youth football development program.

Since 2024, Wudang has been building a standardized youth football training system, with players divided into U6 to U10 age groups and the U9 group designated as a key stage for focused development. The district has gradually established an integrated pathway covering talent selection, systematic training, competition, and advancement to higher-level programs. More than 100 young players now participate in regular professional training, with eight promising players having moved on to professional youth football programs.

A student practices football at school. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]

Twelve-year-old Lu Yongmengyao has played football for three and a half years and competed in tournaments in Huaxi, Wudang, and Rongjiang. Four-and-a-half-year-old Xie Tunan only started playing a month ago, but already trains regularly and eagerly takes to the pitch.

In recent years, Wudang has promoted the integration of sports and education by bringing football into PE classes, after-school programs and campus activities, while organizing a range of youth competitions. In 2026, 35 school teams and nearly 500 young players took part in more than 100 matches, providing a regular platform for competition and helping nurture the next generation of football talent.