Published: 12:30, January 1, 2026 | Updated: 12:36, January 1, 2026
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Never too young to chase goals
By China Daily
Children from kindergartens in Xiuzhou district of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, run around holding their trophies after a game. (PHOTO BY SHENG JIACHUN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

The Youth Campus Football League's 8th District Cup tournament kicked off on the football grounds of Xiuzhou Foreign Language School, affiliated to Shanghai International Studies University, in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, on Nov 2.

A total of 120 kids from 12 kindergartens in Xiuzhou district of Jiaxing were competing on the ground. Sun Hongyi, a young player, was clearly overjoyed. His team, called the Xiangyang Team, has 12 kids. 

Chen Muyou, the only female player in the team, cherishes her role, as she has made great progress guided by her coach. Equally encouraging is the support the young players are getting from their parents. The team's coach emphasized that the tournament prioritizes children's growth through competition. 

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As a pilot area for campus football reform, Xiuzhou district has been holding the tournament for eight consecutive years since 2018, igniting children's enthusiasm for the game, fostering 10 provincial-level characteristic schools and popularizing football among children.

Young players chase the ball in the field. (PHOTO BY SHENG JIACHUN / FOR CHINA DAILY)
Parents watch their kids play in the field. (PHOTO BY SHENG JIACHUN / FOR CHINA DAILY)
A coach explains some strategies to the young players before they hit the ground. (PHOTO BY SHENG JIACHUN / FOR CHINA DAILY)
Young players implement new strategies their coach taught them on the field during training. (PHOTO BY SHENG JIACHUN / FOR CHINA DAILY)
Parents serve water to tired players during a break in training. (PHOTO BY SHENG JIACHUN / FOR CHINA DAILY)
Young players greet each other before the start of a match in the kindergarten. (PHOTO BY SHENG JIACHUN / FOR CHINA DAILY)
Chen Muyou, who is the only female player in her team, practices her football skills at home. (PHOTO BY SHENG JIACHUN / FOR CHINA DAILY)