Friendship football tournament brings the world together in Sichuan

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By CGTN's Liu Yang, Zhang Kai

The competition is on between eight friendship teams from China, the UK, France, Israel, Morocco, Singapore, Thailand and Uruguay. The Wawu Cup China International Friendship City Youth Football Tournament is divided into boys’ and girls’ groups, competing at the tournament held at Sichuan Technology and Business University and Sichuan City Vocational College in southwest China.

Young players kick off the competition /CGTN Photo

During the tournament, team leaders and coaches are set to attend an international football education symposium based on the theme “Football for Peace,” to discuss youth football education and the role football can play in peace and development.

The organizing committee has also organized experienced coaches from Germany to train 30 coaches from 15 countries like Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon and Iraq for three days.

Young players from various countries visited various tourist attractions as well as competing in the tournament, while others had the chance to experience home stays with local families, as well as taking part in a variety of cultural exchanges.

Young footballers making dumplings with a local family in Meishan, Sichuan Province /CGTN Photo

The Wawu Cup China International Friendship City Youth Football Tournament was hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, and undertaken by the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development (CFFPD) and Meishan Municipal People’s Government.

Nicholas Martin, coach of the Uruguay Lavalleja Selected Team, said he made the trip not only for the games, but also for the chance to experience another culture.

Meanwhile, the international guests said they were very satisfied with the services and facilities offered by the organizing committee during their stay in Meishan.

Young footballers learning calligraphy at a school in Meishan, Sichuan Province /CGTN Photo

In recent years, Meishan has built 28 football schools. The tournament offers a precious opportunity to showcase the city's image and spur on the development of football in the region.

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