Chongqing - To strengthen China-UK sports exchanges and promote the global development of youth football, the "China-Britain Youth Sports and Cultural Exchange Activity" was successfully held on March 25 at Chongqing No. 7 High School. 

The event brought together hundreds of teachers and students from Chongqing’s football-focused schools. Through friendly matches, youth training selections, and other activities, the event fostered a platform for football exchange between Chinese and British youth, highlighting the deep integration of both football cultures.

The event was organized under the guidance of the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange and the Chongqing Shapingba District Education Commission. It was hosted by the Research Center of International People-to-People Exchange for Youth, undertaken by Chongqing No. 7 High School, and supported by St. John's Senior School, Arsenal Football Club (AFC) U-13 team, Western China International Communication Organization, and the Chongqing Shapingba District Football Association.

Friendship school agreements inked

At the start, Chongqing No. 7 High School and St. John's Senior School signed a memorandum of friendship, marking the beginning of deeper cooperation in teacher-student exchanges, curriculum sharing, and cross-cultural education.

Ou Quan, principal of Chongqing No. 7 High School, stated, "This signing is an important extension of the educational ties between our two countries. We look forward to providing more international growth opportunities for young people."

James Sheridan, director of St. John's Senior School, added, "I hope both schools will work together to give students opportunities to broaden their horizons and enhance international understanding."

Leaders from the Chongqing Shapingba District Education Commission, representatives from the Research Center of International People-to-People Exchange for Youth, St. John's Senior School, and other distinguished guests attended the signing ceremony.

Chongqing No.7 High School and St. John's Senior School signed a memorandum of friendship between the two schools. (Photo/Arsenal football club(AFC) U 13 team)

Making friends through football

Later, the China-UK Youth Friendly Football Match kicked off at Chongqing No. 7 High School’s professional stadium. The Arsenal Football Club (AFC) U-13 team faced off against Chongqing No. 7 High School Team A in a thrilling match. Both teams displayed impressive skills and seamless teamwork, embodying the energy and passion of youth football. The game ended in a friendly 3-3 draw.

After the match, players exchanged souvenirs and took photos together, embracing the spirit of sportsmanship—"friendship first, competition second."

The sportsmanship between the Arsenal football club U 13 team and Chongqing No. 7 High School Football Team A. (Photo/Arsenal football club(AFC) U 13 team)

Youth training selection, igniting dreams

The "Arsenal Youth Training China Tour—Chongqing Station" selection was held on the same day. Young football players from primary and secondary schools in Chongqing participated in dribbling and shooting tests.

Peter Barker, head coach of the Arsenal Football Club (AFC) U-13 team, explained, "The dribbling test is a classic football evaluation. It assesses players' balance and ball control while also testing their explosiveness and overall physical fitness."

Outstanding players from the selection will have the opportunity to travel to the UK for training under Arsenal’s top youth development system.

Young football players from primary and secondary schools in Chongqing participated in selecting seeded players. (Photo/Arsenal football club(AFC) U 13 team)

(Wang Shuyun, as an intern, also contributed to this report)