Dutch expertise stoking soccer hopes

The Netherlands' renowned youth soccer training experts look set to help China produce its own future stars, with more Dutch coaches and junior programs to be imported to China.

The intense scene of 82 Chinese students shooting goals and dribbling under the guidance of former Dutch national star Edwin van der Sar at Beijing Shijia Primary School on Sunday was reminiscent of a youth practice session at the well-known Dutch professional club Ajax.

Such junior clinics, which feature the advanced Dutch youth system for training that has produced an abundant supply of international stars, including Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, has reached out to almost 400 schools across China. The clinics instruct children and physical education teachers alike for better grassroots soccer development, thanks to the initiative launched by Sport8 International earlier this year.