Mountain coach gives wings to soccer dreams

Setting new goals

Instead of giving up soccer, he changed his goals.

Jifu earned coaching qualifications and spent time studying youth development at soccer clubs outside Liangshan before returning home in late 2024.

Today he teaches soccer at local primary schools, identifying children with genuine interest during physical education classes.

A pilot program began in one school and has expanded to two. After school, with the approval of their parents, children continue training on the village pitch.

To encourage discipline, Jifu created a points system. Children earn points by training seriously, showing good behavior and respecting teammates and coaches. The points can later be exchanged for soccer boots, training kits and other equipment donated by charities and supporters.

"Whether they become good soccer players isn't the most important thing," Jifu said. "We should first teach them good values and good habits."

More than technical ability, Jifu hopes soccer gives children confidence and ambition. "I want them to have dreams, expectations and direction," he said.

Fourteen-year-old Chen Yifeng is one of the children Jifu believes has changed the most.

Before joining the team, Jifu remembers him as mischievous and reluctant to cooperate with others. Through the sport, he has gradually learned to work with teammates and respect both coaches and opponents.

Asked about his future, the teenager answered without hesitation, "I want to become a professional soccer player."

This year, Yifeng and three other sixth-grade students — two boys and two girls — earned places at high-quality middle schools in the county through a school admissions pathway that recognizes soccer ability.

Jifu said it's his proudest achievement as a coach. "It showed me this pathway really works," he said. "Soccer may not make every child a professional player, but it can give them more choices in life."

The students will now have access to better facilities, more experienced coaches and higher-level competitions. Those with potential may eventually progress into county — and prefecture-level teams or training programs.