The youth development system has been key to improving the overall level of Chinese soccer, which needs more investment and supportive polices. To combine educational resources at schools with programs to cultivate talent at professional clubs is a solution that offers young players a chance to receive education so they have a second employment option if they fail to play professionally.

Zhang Jindong, chairman of Suning Holdings Group and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

Sports entertainment, such as our professional league games, should be included in the sports industry as an intangible product for fans to consume. The quality of this kind of product depends not only on the level of the competition, but also on the experiences and services in on-site catering, club merchandising and TV programming. This is where we should improve to further exploit the potential of the sports sector and boost industry revenue.