The Chinese Super League (CSL) and China League One clubs must finalize their five-level youth football teams before the kick-off of the 2019 Chinese football season, according to a new policy launched by the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

Specifically, each club from the CSL or China League One must have a first team, a reserve team as well as U19, U17, U15, U14 and U13 youth teams. A proposed youth team, expected to consist of at least 18 registered players, will participate in official events at their level representing their club. Additionally, each youth team will establish a detailed training and development plan, and be responsible for hiring professional managers and operators.

For the China League Two clubs, each of them is required to establish 4 youth teams at the U17, U15, U14 and U13 age groups. They do not need to have a reserve or U19 teams because most of their first-team players are in those age groups.

If any club fails to meet the new requirements, the CFA will not permit the registration of the club’s first team, meaning that they cannot participate in any professional events in the future.

The CFA also suggests that all clubs create well-established football academies, schools or training centers to ensure their youth training plans proceed smoothly. 

Source: Sina

Proofread by William Logsdon