BEIJING -- Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong Sunday called for reform and innovation efforts to create a system that will promote the healthy development and management of China's soccer industry.
Liu made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of the Youth League trials in Beijing.
Terming the reform and development of China's soccer system a long-term and complicated project, Liu urged efforts to develop a system suitable for China, by studying the advantages of both the state-run sports system and the market mechanism and learning from others' experiences.
Liu stressed efforts to tamp the social foundation of soccer development by promoting the nationwide physical health enhancement plan and the students' sports campaign.
Greater efforts should be made to develop campus soccer and the four leagues of primary school, junior middle school, high school and university students, Liu said.
Further, she said the management system of China's football leagues and its teams should be improved, urging more efforts to cultivate quality athletes, coaches, referees and managers, aiming to improve the competitiveness of Chinese soccer.
