Zhejiang to kick off grassroots soccer push

Players from Yongzhong and Puzhou subdistrict teams compete in a match at Wenzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Longwan district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on Dec 6, 2025. [Photo/IC]

East China's Zhejiang has released a new policy package aimed at accelerating the development of soccer across the province, with a strong emphasis on youth participation and grassroots growth.

The measures, which will take effect on Jan 5, 2026, and remain valid through the end of 2030, are designed to bring soccer onto more school campuses and closer to children, expanding participation and strengthening youth training.

Under the policy, Zhejiang will organize overseas training-through-competition programs for at least 200 outstanding youth players each year. In parallel, no fewer than 30 top local coaches will be selected annually for overseas training and professional development.

The measures also stress the recruitment of high-level coaching resources. Cities are encouraged to appoint outstanding domestic and international coaches as municipal youth training directors, and to host top-tier international youth soccer tournaments to raise local competitive standards.

Clear numerical targets have been set. The province aims to stage more than 10,000 campus soccer matches annually, including class-based leagues running throughout the school year. In addition, more than 30,000 community soccer matches are to be held each year between companies, villages, and other organizations.

The measures also call for the flexible use of rooftops, spaces beneath elevated roads, and urban parks to build or convert community soccer pitches. They also encourage shared access to facilities operated by government agencies, schools, and enterprises, supported by subsidy mechanisms to ensure low-cost or free access for young players.