By Sportswriters Wang Jialin and Yao Youming

XI'AN, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Although former professional footballer Wang Erzhuo had retired in May 2022, he was even busier in these days. He was not only a football coach of Xidian University, but also a youth training organization founder on his home soil.

"I'd like to provide more opportunities for young football enthusiasts, bringing more Shaanxi footballers to compete at the Chinese Super League (CSL) or other higher stages," Wang told Xinhua.

Nicknamed "wolf cub" for his straightforward personality and cool playing style, Wang was the first Shaanxi footballer to play and score in the CSL. In 2017, Wang helped Xi'an team top in the 13th China's National Games men's football event (cities group).

While many retired professional players shy away from youth training due to its modest pay, Wang saw it as a noble endeavor vital for the growth of Chinese football and youth education. He also established a company last October to organize amateur football events, with proceeds reinvested into youth training programs.

He observed schools' obsession with achieving good game results as a major problem. In his opinion, developing basic skills was the most important for young players under 14.

"Focusing too much on competition results stifles the potential of the talented, yet physically disadvantaged kids," he said.

Determined to leverage his professional connections for the benefit of aspiring young footballers, Wang partnered with five schools in Xi'an to provide professional training directly on campus. Additionally, he actively participated in public welfare football classes in rural Shaanxi, visiting nearly 20 schools in the northwest China province over the past two years.

Beyond being a coach, Wang saw himself as an educator, prioritizing the development of players' character and work ethic alongside technical skills. At the heart of his "Wolf Cub" Youth Training is a team of dedicated coaches, blending on-field experience with pedagogical expertise to cultivate not only football skills but also essential life skills like teamwork and resilience.

Wang believed that outdoor sports, like football, instill perseverance and resilience in children, preparing them for life's challenges.

In Wang's eyes, he saw his post-retirement phase as the beginning of a new chapter, filled with opportunities to contribute to his hometown's football industry and inspire future generations.

As a football coach, Wang embodied the values of dedication, perseverance, and gratitude. Under his lead, Xidian University secured second place in the men's event of Shaanxi universities football league (non-sports students group) in the year 2023.

"We established a professional coach team, including a nutritionist, a physical coach and a tictac coach. All the members of the coach team contributed to our success," Wang said.

Wang had a daughter, and he is going to have his second child in the next few months.

"I won't let my daughter play football. If my second child is a boy, maybe I will force him to accept football training at an early age," he said.

When Chinese football was at a low point, Wang expected more high-level retired professional players to contribute to the future of Chinese football.

"I hope I can do good for my hometown Xi'an. I also hope more talented players can stand on the football court so that one day our national team will return to among the best teams in Asia," he said. Enditem

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