Chinese FA data shows rapid growth in youth, grassroots football

BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's football development at both youth and grassroots levels recorded strong growth in 2025, with registered players, coaches and competitions all posting sharp increases, according to data released at the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Congress here on Tuesday.

CFA president Song Kai said the number of registered youth players across China rose to 109,200, up 24.88 percent over the past two years. China has 126,000 registered coaches, including futsal coaches, with 16,000 newly certified coaches added last year.

According to CFA statistics, the number of amateur players reached 980,000 in 2025, a 95 percent year-on-year increase. Nationwide, 4,324 amateur tournaments and 144,000 matches were staged, up 88 percent and 140 percent, respectively, involving 39,300 teams, an increase of 27 percent.

Song said city leagues such as the Su Super League, a grassroots football competition in east China's Jiangsu Province, have become platforms for local football development, with growing government support and integration into urban development agendas.

He also said the National Football Youth Training Center began operations in November 2025, forming a network with five regional hubs.

Song said that since the launch of the CFA's player self-recommendation system in March 2025, more than 30,000 users have registered, with 332 players, including seven overseas-based athletes, selected into the national football talent pool.

Looking ahead, Song said the CFA plans to strengthen youth training and grassroots competitions in 2026, expand coaching education, improve participation and event impact statistics, and enhance links between amateur leagues and CFA competitions to allow more grassroots teams to enter national competitions. ■