The 2026 football camp of the Spring Bud Girls' Healthy Growth project drew to a successful close recently.
Co-hosted by the China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF) and Anta Sports Products Limited, the six-day camp brought together 72 Spring Bud girl football players from six schools in Shenyang of Liaoning Province, Shiyan of Hubei Province, Wuwei of Gansu Province, Yushu of Qinghai Province, Artux of Xinjiang, and the Fourth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.
On the field, the girls were opponents; off the field, they were friends who cheered together and supported one another. Among these running figures, Yongji Drolma, a sixth-grade girl from Yushu, stood out particularly. She fell in love with the sport three years ago. The vast grassland was her pitch, with two flat stones as makeshift goalposts.
With perseverance and resilience, she set off the way toward broader pitch. "The pitch can be simple, the gear can be worn out, but the enthusiasm in my heart to play football well cannot be extinguished even by the winds off the snow-capped mountains," she said. Her dream was to enter the national women's football team to fight for the country in the Women's World Cup.
This year's growth camp featured football training, growth class and revolutionary‑culture study tour. It also covered athletic competition, role‑model inspiration and hands‑on experiential education at the same time. Li Dongna, former captain of the Chinese national women's football team who competed in the Women's World Cup and the Olympic Games, presented a vivid growth class for the girls. She explained professional football techniques and shared the stories of players, passing on sports spirit of never giving up to the girls.
"I hope you will embrace your dreams bravely and grow into who you aspire to be," said Li. Her words were gentle yet firm, like a beam of light shining into the girls' hearts.
On the final day of the camp, after the competition points were tallied, a closing ceremony and camp farewell gala were held. Winners of the Best Spirit Award and the Best Tactics Award were announced one after another. With an outstanding performance, Shiyan No. 2 Middle School secured the first place in the standings. Individual awards such as the Best Goalkeeper and the Best Scorer, were also announced.
As the girls received from the guests commemorative plaques, medals and footballs autographed by Li, proud and radiant smiles bloomed on their faces.
Just as Li put, victory or defeat wasn't the most important thing during the past six days. The pitch does not keep track of every lopsided score, but it captures each determined figure that refuse to quit. Though the girls may not all become professional football players, yet the courage, confidence and friendships they gained at the growth camp will light up their path ahead.
Since its launch in October 2024 by CCTF and Anta Group, the Spring Bud Girls' Healthy Growth project has provided financial aid to 600 girl students of 13 universities and 322 girl high school students in 15 provincial regions. The project covers a range of charitable activities, including Spring Bud education assistance, study camps, girls' sports growth camps, and sports equipment funding. Meanwhile, it has also delivered material support to over 30,000 Spring Bud girls.
Photos from CCTF
(Source: CCTF/Women of China)
Editor: Wang Shasha
