A golden goal as Chinese soccer looks for new fields to conquer

With China setting a goal to join the world's soccer elite by 2050, more youths are gearing up to play as an increasing number of families and schools have embraced the game, not just for the health benefits but also because of its educational appeal and team-spirit ethos.

Students at Shanghai's Jinshajiang Road Primary School hone their skills, especially dribbling, tackling and shooting, every day in intense workouts after school under the guidance of Spanish coach Jose Luis Iglesias. The scene is reminiscent of youth practice sessions at La Liga (Spain's top professional league) giants such as Barcelona and Real Madrid, he said.

A rapidly developing tactical awareness is evident, as players get into position and run off the ball. The high levels of enthusiasm and the school's commitment to develop the soccer program has impressed Iglesias, who was hired by Beijing-based Ray Sports last October to train players at the school as a physical education teacher.