Soccer helps left-behind girls realize college dream

At that time, few of those students could go to high school or university because of limited education resources and family finances. Girls faced more barriers because of traditional ideas held by rural families that women should look after the family first.

To help more girls pursue an education, Sun, the headmaster, decided to nurture some sports talent so that girls could enter good schools based on athletic prowess.

"Soccer is relatively cheap and easy to learn, and it's suitable for the rural kids," Sun said.

He picked 20 girls from the fourth and fifth grades and provided free training and living arrangements. The team has claimed many titles in local and national campus soccer tournaments over the years.