Chinese government big-wigs pop down to La Masia for a proper gander
High-ranking Chinese officials visited Barcelona's famed academy to study their youth development model, with LaLiga president Javier Tebas facilitating the knowledge exchange.
Beijing’s football bosses make the pilgrimage to Barcelona’s famed youth academy as China looks to tap into the Catalan club’s development secrets.
Eastern interest in Barça brilliance
Barcelona’s youth development model has been the dog’s bollocks for decades now, with countries and federations worldwide desperate to get a peek at what makes La Masia tick. The latest lot keen for a butcher’s hook? None other than the Chinese government, who’ve sent a proper delegation to Catalonia this Wednesday.
A high-ranking contingent from China’s institutional organs descended on the Joan Gamper Sports City, where Barça president Joan Laporta rolled out the red carpet. Interestingly, LaLiga president Javier Tebas played matchmaker for this East-meets-West football summit, accompanying the Chinese officials after they’d expressed interest through his office.
Not your average tourists
This weren’t just any old visit from abroad. The Chinese sent the real deal:
- A massive 30-person delegation
- Shen Yiqin, State Council member and China’s top football administrator
- Song Kai, president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA)
Talk about pulling out all the stops!
Packed schedule at the academy
The Chinese visitors had their work cut out with a jam-packed agenda including:
- A friendly match between Barcelona’s Juvenil B team and a select squad from China’s U17 national setup
- Participation in the “Youth Football Talent Development” seminar
- A comprehensive presentation on La Masia’s talent formation model
China’s football revolution has stalled in recent years after massive investment failed to deliver the expected results. Now they’re looking at the foundation rather than just splashing cash on fancy foreign players and managers.
With Barcelona having produced some of the greatest talents in football history through their academy system, it’s no wonder the Chinese government wants a piece of that action. Whether they can successfully transplant the Catalan magic to Chinese soil remains to be seen, but they’re certainly doing their homework.