Adidas signed a three-year deal with the Chinese education ministry to develop a soccer program in schools. The program will reach 20,000 primary and middle schools, train 50,000 teachers and also support a national summer camp for more than 400 students, according to a Reuters report.
“The development of grassroots football is a key vehicle for Adidas in empowering rising athletes, nurturing a next generation of football players and inspiring a new generation of football fans in China,” said Adidas Greater China Head Colin Currie.
Adidas launched a youth soccer tournament in four cities in China in January, according to the report. It has also supported a school grass-roots program in the region since 2009, while also backing 40 amateur football leagues and training 500 Chinese professional coaches a year.
The Reuters report is here: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/937979.shtml
