Learning curve for Chinese kids

Richard Young, managing director of NFL China, said around 300 teams in 12 cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, will play flag football this season.

Young estimates that upwards of 30,000 Chinese kids under age 12 are currently in the training programs, and projects the number to hit 120,000 by 2020.

Established in 2007, NFL China has partnerships with many local youth training companies and chose Skywalk to be its official partner this season.

"We want more people to play－the more the better," Young said. "We want a rapid expansion while maintaining the quality of the training."

Zhang Nan, co-founder of Skyway, a Chinese youth training company operating in 10 cities, said his company will help raise flag football to a higher level through its networks around the country.

After graduating from Beijing Sport University with a degree in sports education in 2003, Zhang joined the NFL's Apple Seeds program, which is aimed at training local coaches and referees in American football.