Rural resurgence the goal of soccer tourism promotion

National plan

Establishing soccer pitches is part of a national plan to improve public health by boosting participation in sports.

In July 2019, the National Development and Reform Commission and the General Administration of Sports issued a guideline that aimed to promote the development of soccer and other sports, along with related businesses.

The NDRC selected a number of demonstration cities and counties nationwide and arranged funds from the central budget to subsidize the laying of a number of soccer pitches. Venues were built in the provinces of Hebei, Guangdong, Sichuan, Fujian and Guizhou.

Meng Wei, a commission spokesperson, told a 2019 press conference that the number of soccer facilities in China was inadequate, while distribution was poor and the utilization rate was low.

"The move will meet the rising demand for better physical fitness among the populace and encourage greater participation in soccer games," she said.

Wu, the Yangwei village head, is now in discussions with the Guizhou Evening News to found a soccer club and provide one-on-one guidance for children who love the game.

He added that the village committee is planning to train hundreds of children from both rural and urban areas.

"The rural scenery and traditional culture will help attract young fans to our field for training," he said.

Yangwei is also building a reception center for non-residents who visit to play soccer, while a museum is being planned to display old photos and artifacts, such as traditional tools and clothes.

"The soccer pitch is providing the opportunity to develop sports tourism and is a good way to renew rural areas," Wu said.

Wang Jin contributed to this story.