How the Premier League Supports Grassroots Football in China
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Loading... - Galang Hadi
- 28 Oct 2024
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The Premier League has made significant strides in promoting grassroots football in China, marking its commitment with the opening of its first international office in Beijing. To celebrate this milestone, the league recently conducted a grassroots coach development course for 35 community football coaches from various regions across the country.
The four-day course, led by Premier League coaches from renowned clubs such as Leicester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, provided both theoretical and practical training. The aim was to equip coaches with the necessary skills and confidence to deliver effective football sessions in their local communities.
On the third day of the course, Premier League legends Michael Owen and Nemanja Vidic participated, observing the coaches as they applied their training with 80 local schoolchildren. The presence of these football icons added an inspirational element, as they shared tips and advice with the coaches, enhancing the overall experience.
The Premier League has been actively supporting grassroots football in China for over 15 years, collaborating with the British Council since 2009. Through the Premier Skills coaching program, the league has reached 28 cities, training more than 6,300 grassroots coaches, referees, and teachers. This long-term investment reflects the Premier League's dedication to nurturing football talent and promoting the sport at the community level.
Two community coaches, Lu Yuzhou and Gao Xu, shared their experiences with the Premier Skills program, highlighting its transformative impact on their coaching careers and personal development.
Lu Yuzhou, from Yongji, Shaanxi, began coaching in 2015 and first engaged with Premier Skills in 2017. He emphasized his passion for football and its benefits for children as his motivation to coach. Lu noted that the Premier Skills program instilled a positive energy and focus on active participation, which he found lacking in other coaching systems. Now a director at the Campus Football, Sports, Arts & Health for Yongji Education Bureau, Lu has become a Premier Skills coach educator, training local teachers and spreading the program's philosophy.
Gao Xu, a former player who transitioned to coaching after an injury, began her Premier Skills journey in 2016. She faced challenges in player development, particularly in psychological aspects and social communication. Through her involvement in Premier Skills, Gao became a coach educator and refined her teaching methods, emphasizing inclusivity and the coach's role in guiding players. She believes that football fosters cooperation and interest among youth, which is essential for growing the sport in China.
Both Lu and Gao recognize the broader benefits of football in China. They see it as a vital tool for youth development, promoting teamwork, discipline, and resilience. By fostering a love for the game, they believe that grassroots initiatives can help improve the overall football environment in China and ultimately elevate the national team's performance.
In conclusion, the Premier League's commitment to grassroots football in China is evident through its extensive coaching programs and community engagement efforts. By empowering local coaches and promoting the sport at the grassroots level, the Premier League is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of football in China, ensuring that the next generation of players is well-equipped to succeed both on and off the pitch.
