Chinese government publish ambitious soccer reform plan

Can Chinese men's team one day lift the Jules Rimet trophy?

The question seemed more real now than just a joke when an overall reform plan was published by the Chinese government in a bid to boost the sport in the world's most populous country.

Goals are set in the plan that include the women's team returning to the world top class as a mid-term goal and the men's side joining the world leading powers in the long run. Bidding to host the World Cup is listed as a long-term goal, too.

The reform plan, last month passed by China's central reform group, chaired by President Xi Jinping, showed the determination of a country which is known for its ability to mobilize resources to achieve colossal tasks.

"Revitablizing soccer is a must for building China into a sports powerhouse and also the earnest hope of the people," said the plan, named the overall plan of Chinese soccer reform and development.

In contrast to its excellence in sports such as table tennis, badminton, diving, shooting, weightlifting and gymnastics, China have been bothered by the lowly performance of the national sides.

The men's team, now ranked 83rd, just qualified for one World Cup finals, in 2002. Meanwhile, the women's side is struggling to recreate their glory as the 1999 World Cup runners-up even failed to qualify for the 2011 edition of competition.

According to the plan, the reforms involve almost every aspect of the sport, including the professional clubs, professional leagues, the national teams and grassroots soccer.

The plan attached much importance to grassroots soccer and develop young talents. Soccer will be added into compulsory curriculum in elementary and middles schools across the country.

China international Sun Ke expressed his support for the plan.

"The plan is great for children to take part in the sport and give their parents a lot of confidence," said Sun.

"To tell the truth, some young talents have to give up soccer as a career because their parents are worried the uncertain future of a soccer player," said the 25-year-old who went through an elementary school team in Jiangsu province to Jiangsu Sainty club youth squad.

Chinese soccer players, like most athletes in other sports, drop formal education once they pick up soccer as a career, which make Chinese families reluctant to let their children pursue the sport.

"The plan now can make sure little soccer enthusiasts study while they play soccer. The future of the sport will get better each day," he said.