The Development & Reform Commission of Jiangsu Province announced on May 4 that Haimen would be the lead area in the construction of a new soccer town. The Codion Youth Football Club are the major operators of this soccer town, with additional support coming from Haimen's local government and sport bureau. 

The Haimen Soccer Town will be located in the Development Zone of Haimen, covering an area of 3,000 square metres with Shen Dongri, President of Codion Sports & Culture, revealing that investment in the construction of Haimen Soccer Town will reach 6.5 billion RMB ($943m).

The first construction stage of the Haimen soccer town has already been finished with 2 additional construction stages to follow. The soccer town will contain 6 functional areas – a soccer training centre, soccer education centre, soccer communication centre, a soccer-industrial science & creation park, a Town Hall and a soccer-themed recreational park.

It is expected that after 3 years, this soccer town will merge into a complete soccer industrial chain to promote youth talent training and an innovative soccer industry.

Shen Dongri also confirmed that Sun Jihai, the ex-Manchester City star (2002-2008) will become the Mayor of Haimen Soccer Town.

“It is not simply an honorary title, but a real responsibility,” stated Shen, adding that Sun Jihai needs to do what a mayor needs to do. We hope that he can utilize more resources to enhance the town’s influence and drive the project further.”

Source: People.cn

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick