Former Manchester City star launches first youth training base in China

Sun Jihai, former Manchester City star and a current player of Chinese Super League side Chongqing Lifan FC, has launched his first youth soccer training base in the South-Western Chinese city.

Following an agreement with a local sports park, the base will include 10 pitches on a 99 acre site. There will be an 11-a-side pitch, three 7-a-side pitches and six 5-a-side pitches according to reports. The 11-a-side pitch, particularly, will be constructed in accordance with international standards.

As Sun revealed, the youth players involved, will not only get professional soccer training there but will also have the chance to do extra short-term training at renowned overseas clubs such as the Blues.

The 38-years old said he had launched the soccer base in an effort to help boost the presence of the sport in China.

“(There is a) lack of personnel, popularity, participation and equipment (in Chinese soccer), that’s why I launched this youth training base”, Sun said.

Sun Jihai was once a Manchester City star and was inducted into the English Football Museum’s hall of fame early last month.

Source: Chongqing Morning Post

Proofread by John Devlin.