November 21: In a statement released on the Chinese Football Association’s (CFA) official website, the CFA have announced the signing of a partnership deal with SK Slavia Praha, reportedly the second most successful club in the Czech Republic since its independence in 1993.

Under this partnership, SK Slavia Praha will play the role of the first ever CFA-authorized football youth training center in Europe. After the facilities are equipped,  the Chinese national youth football team will go there to train regularly and receive education and training courses offered by the Czech club for free. The youth team will also play against other elite youth teams in the Czech Republic.

However, this center will not be the only football youth training center to be set up in Europe. In the future, the CFA hopes to establish more centers in European countries such as Germany and Spain where football is stronger. 

Additionally, the CFA have also formed a partnership with the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR) in football referee development. The FAČR will continue to send experienced Czech referees to the Chinese Super League, as well as assisting the CFA in the development of Chinese referees.

Source: Sina 

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick