China has made huge strides in promoting soccer among students, but embedding the culture of the game here remains a formidable challenge that requires closer attention.

That was the consensus of attendees at a recent government-sponsored tournament in Shanghai.

The China (Shanghai) International Youth Football Invitational was launched in 2015 as part of the nation's bid to become a soccer powerhouse by 2050, with 16 teams participating in the July 8-14 competition.

Club Pachuca from Mexico was crowned champion at No 1 High School Affiliated to Tongji University in Yangpu district, while ASEC Mimosas of Cote d'Ivoire claimed the runner-up spot and English side Matlock Town finished third.

While none of the domestic teams made it into the semifinals, the tournament served as a mirror of China's soccer development and as a platform for further growth, said Li Xiao, head coach of China High School Football United and a former Shanghai Shenhua player.

"We appreciate the platform and the opportunity this gives us, allowing us to get together and compare notes throughout the matches with different countries' outstanding teams without going abroad," said Li.

"It is not just about skills. Soccer culture is reflected in the players' passion for the game and how they organize themselves for success. In general, the foreign teams demonstrate a higher level of cooperation, which is the essence of soccer."

Li's team of 20 players selected from the National Youth School Soccer Summer Camp was one of six sides from the Chinese mainland in the tournament－up from just two teams last year and indicative of the game's booming popularity on campuses and in schools around the country.

The government's blueprint for developing the game set a target of having 20,000 soccer-themed schools in the country by 2020.

By February this year, 20,218 such schools were already in existence, compared to 5,000 in 2015, according to the Ministry of Education.

Shanghai, which has become something of a soccer stronghold, has over 400 schools playing in regional and national competitions, while the number of registered student players in the city has surged from 4,500 to 30,000 in recent years.

The city's showcase tournaments are gaining international renown.

"Better teams are coming," said Matlock Town coach Justin Tellus.

Despite the progress that has been made, many experts contend China needs a more organic environment for talent to take root and blossom naturally.

"I see the players practicing and they are very talented," said Constantine Lionel Konstin, coach of American side Westside Portland, which made its second straight appearance at the tournament this year.

"American players and Chinese players have many similarities. They all need to put more emphasis on simply playing, as opposed to doing excessive drills."

Konstin, who has coached for 44 years, believes five-aside futsal is an ideal way for youngsters to hone their first touch and close control, and should play a key role in nurturing young talent in China.

"If you look at all the good players in history, they learned to play soccer on the streets, on grass, rugs and dirt. This is how they developed their skills," Konstin said. "This is what all potential players need to learn."

Li Chunman, deputy director of the National Campus Football Expert Committee, concurred.

Speaking at a forum on campus soccer on Sunday, he said: "We need to let children know that playing soccer doesn't mean you have to be a professional player, but that enjoying the game will help their social and teamwork skills and ultimately serve their career development."

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