The Asian Football Confederation's break-through Vision China project has revolutionised football in Qingdao city with great strides made in the development of clubs, referees education and city league development. Now all the participating clubs have registered within the Civil Department and have their own offices, home ground, regulations and full-time staff to run the clubs. Some of the clubs have even managed to get sponsors.
Fourteen teams participated in the inaugural City League and this time the format has been changed to home-and-away, increasing the number of games to 182 matches per year. Promotion and relegation have been introduced with the launch of the second division.
“Vision China has provided a solution that is practical, detailed and constant. The development strategy is innovative and creative,” Qingdao Football Association general secretary Chen Xiaozheng told AFCMedia. “if we can develop football on the basis of extensive grassroots and youth football activities and events in schools, take the adult city amateur league as a bridge and with the training and education of human resources in all kinds of elements as a guarantee, we can build a football pyramid that is integrated and harmonious, rich in content, clear in stages and effective in solutions. The future of football will be very bright as long as we are patient and persistent, working in this direction and framework.”
Fourteen teams participated in the inaugural City League and this time the format has been changed to home-and-away, increasing the number of games to 182 matches per year. Promotion and relegation have been introduced with the launch of the second division.
“Vision China has provided a solution that is practical, detailed and constant. The development strategy is innovative and creative,” Qingdao Football Association general secretary Chen Xiaozheng told AFCMedia. “if we can develop football on the basis of extensive grassroots and youth football activities and events in schools, take the adult city amateur league as a bridge and with the training and education of human resources in all kinds of elements as a guarantee, we can build a football pyramid that is integrated and harmonious, rich in content, clear in stages and effective in solutions. The future of football will be very bright as long as we are patient and persistent, working in this direction and framework.”
See also: Xiamen football excited about Vision China entry (13 May) and AFC and China FA meet with China Sports Minister (24 Apr) and Great success for Vision China's new "city clubs" (7 Apr)