On 7 August 2017, ‘Soong Ching Ling Cup’ China-ASEAN Youth Football Friendly Matches, jointly sponsored by China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), Chinese Football Association (CFA) and ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), opened in Qinhuangdao.

Mr. Wang Jiarui, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of China and Chairman of CSCLF declared the opening of the event. 10 teams with players under the age of 12 from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, Chinese Team A and Team B actively participated in the matches.

After heated contests, Chinese youth team A won the championship followed by the teams from Thailand and Lao PDR ranking the second and third place respectively. Moreover, the best shooter, the most valuable player, the best goalkeeper and fair competition awards were presented at the ceremony.

In addition to the matches since the opening on 7 August, the teams have also visited the Laolongkou Great Wall in Beidaihe and the Qinhuangdao Aquarium under the arrangement of the Organizing Committee. On 12 August, the young players also visited the Forbidden City, Mme. Soong Ching Ling’s former residence in Beijing and attended cultural activities in Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Centre for Young People. On 13 August, ASEAN teams left Beijing for home country.

ASEAN teams congratulated on the success of the event and thanked the organizing committee for the well-organized programme and considerate arrangements and looked forward for the continuity of the matches in the following years to strengthen ASEAN-China youth exchanges. Many young players from ASEAN countries said that this was the first time for them to participate in international matches. China was the first foreign country they visited and left them with memorable impressions. They enjoyed not only the football matches, but also the friendship with young players of China and the other ASEAN teams, and got to know more about China from those interesting cultural activities. They will share these experiences with their families and friends when get back home.