Making a difference

Under the auspices of the 2011 EU-China Year of Youth, UEFA has extended the hand of football friendship to China through a coach education initiative which has brought 40 Chinese elite youth coaches to the House of European Football in Nyon.

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The Programme consisted in various presentations on, among others, the development of young players and the work of youth academies in European countries, practical sessions involving young players and visits to youth matches.

"A key aim of the EU-China Year of Youth is to promote exchange and mutual learning in different fields of interest for young people. From playgrounds to professional fields, football can be an effective tool to spread intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among young people. I welcome this outstanding initiative by UEFA to further these objectives by enhancing the educational role of sport," said the European Commissioner for education, culture, multilingualism and youth, Androulla Vassiliou, in a welcome message.

More info on UEFA.com