Schools lace up for soccer program
Updated: 2015-01-28 07:38
By Sun Xiaochen(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
Mix of Chinese and European methods will improve training for children at the grassroots
It won't be long before Chinese students practice soccer under a European-style curriculum that groomed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The program will be introduced to about 700 primary schools across China this year, and will provide Chinese students with the same advanced theoretical and field training regimes that their European peers enjoy.
The curriculum was developed in cooperation with Nike and is based on elite European clubs' junior programs. The three-year trial in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu features a combination of Western and Chinese approaches.
It will be implemented by the Education Ministry as a guideline for soccer training in PE classes at selected schools this spring, according to Wang Dengfeng, director of the ministry's PE, health and art department.
The curriculum also features methods for PE teachers to improve their soccer training expertise, including fitness, technique, nutrition and competition organization, which it is hoped will make up for the shortage of grassroots coaches.
"The key to promoting soccer among youths is to provide adequate coaching. The introduction of the curriculum offers timely help to our campaign to popularize the game on campus," Wang said at the launch of the curriculum at Beijing Haidian National Primary School on Tuesday.
With the Chinese national team reaching the quarterfinals at the 2015 Asian Cup, its best performance at the continental tournament since 2004, interest in the sport has revived among the public and the country's leadership.
Aiming to expand the talent pool at the grassroots level, the ministry, in cooperation with the Chinese Football Association, established a plan to develop soccer specialties at 20,000 primary and secondary schools in China by 2017, up from the current 5,000.
To promote participation, soccer skills will be included in the PE test for senior high school entrance exams from 2016 in Beijing, under a regulation published by the Beijing Commission of Education last year.
Han Zheng, a PE teacher from the Middle School Attached to the Beijing University of Petroleum, was impressed by the curriculum's appeal to students.
"The core philosophy of the curriculum and the biggest advantage compared with other courses is to keep the children on the field by engaging them through happy experiences, not grueling workouts. That's the key to keeping children interested from an early age in Europe's soccer powers," he said.
sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
Students laugh during a soccer training course at Haidian National Primary School in Beijing on Tuesday. A European-style curriculum has been launched at the school. Meng Yongmin / Xinhua |
(China Daily 01/28/2015 page4)
- US, China expected to lead on climate talks
- Chinese high-court member discusses legal reform
- Northeastern US braces for 'crippling' blizzard
- At least 2 dead, dozens hurt after bus hits road barrier
- Red carpet of 21st annual SAG Awards in Los Angeles
- New Year celebrated with dance mix
- Businesswomen shine at the World Economic Forum
- Dogs compete at the Siberean Cup
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Premier Li attends Davos Forum |
Li Na expecting first baby |
Star's marriage is 'bittersweet' news for fans |
Infographic:Chinese IPOs in the US in 2014 |
Tale of two cities |
China's 2014 diplomacy |
Today's Top News
Yahoo to spin off its 384m Alibaba shares
China opens its market to all US apples
Beijing gears up for Super Bowl
Rock-Paper-Scissors: Paper wins
10 million new jobs on way in China, Li vows
Obama's trip to India spurs triangle chatter
Motorola to make phones in Tianjin
Chinese plan NJ's tallest building
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |