With the government and sports authorities' aim to make soccer not just a popular game in China but also as an economic driver, various interventions have been intensified.

The Ministry of Education revealed that the current government-funded 146 youth coaches from abroad, who have already connected with students and teachers all over the country, will be increased this year as 120 new ones have been targeted to be added in the list.

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China Daily recalled that in March 2015, President Xi Jinping shared his deep aspiration for the country to eventually win the bid to host the FIFA World Cup, the international competition for the said sport, along with winning it.

With such expressed aim, a blueprint on the development of the game was issued.

Based on the plan, China's attempt to be among the big names in soccer actually means making a course, with emphasis on the game, mandatory in a number of schools. News reports disclosed that the schools with soccer courses are targeted to hit 50,000 by 2025, a leap of more than 500 percent from the present number of 8,000.

Chinese women's national team former coach Pei Encai pointed out that considering this plan, more youth must be encouraged to be engaged in soccer.

"The only way to build a solid grassroots foundation for the game is to do it on campus," Pei, who presently runs a youth training camp with Beijing-based Ray Sports, said. "We will only be able to build professional competence when enough kids are playing soccer in schools."

In the meantime, it was noted that the expansion of the sports industry, including that of soccer, is being seen as a strategy to bolster economic growth. Therefore, sports-related and fitness services enhancement were deemed essential, as emphasized by observers and insiders from China's op political advisory body.

Tagschina, China Soccer, China economy