Qujingyibu's AFC Cup journey
In the fierce competition of the qualifying round of the F.A.C.A. Cup, Qujing Yibu team competed with Shanghai Shenshui, Qianxinan Lifengtang, Qingdao Zhongying Qinglian, Changchun Xidu, Nanning Dongfang Juding, and other powerhouse teams. With an outstanding record of 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, Qujing Yibu successfully entered the main round of the AFC Cup and became the dark horse of this group.
This victory not only set the city of Qujing abuzz, but also made the entire FA Cup tournament explosive.
Looking back to last year, as one of the teams participating in the FA Cup, Qujing Yibu had hosted China B team Jiangxi Black Horse Youth, which was the first time that Qujing's local soccer team had appeared in an FA high-level professional tournament. At the time, nearly 10,000 fans flocked to the Qujing Culture and Sports Park stadium, igniting the city's soccer passion.
Captain Li Linlin said that the AFC Cup match was a valuable opportunity, and that playing against strong teams would be beneficial to the team's growth, and he hoped to participate in more high-intensity matches in the future.
The draw for the FA Cup has been announced and Qujing Yibu will face Xi'an Yilian in the first round. It is worth mentioning that according to the rules of the tournament, teams that qualify for the qualifying rounds will be prioritized for the right to host their home stadiums, which signals that this year's FA Cup will once again be coming to Qujing, Yunnan Province.
Forest Li, the leader of the team, said that last year's FA Cup brought a great touch to the club, and this year the club has communicated with the Yunnan Province and Qujing Football Association, and if it is held again, it will be even more exciting. They plan to incorporate elements of Yunnan minority culture into the match to create a brand new match experience.
Located in the eastern part of Yunnan Province, Qujing has accumulated a wealth of experience in organizing tournaments, having hosted the Four-Nation Football Championship in 2018 and hosted matches between China's U21 men's soccer team and Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Myanmar, as well as an international invitational match between China's women's soccer team and Italy's women's soccer team.
Qujing has superior training facilities and competition venues, and welcomes teams from all over the world to come and exchange ideas and dedicate exciting soccer matches to the local people.
Youth-based training as a platform for juniors and retired players
Qujing Yibu players put their best foot forward on the field, and off the field, they return to the community as coaches, providing training for local youth players. Currently, the club has more than 40 active coaches and more than 600 trainees, spanning ages from 6 to 15. In addition, the club works with the Yunnan Provincial and Qujing Municipal Football Associations to create soccer ladders for different age groups, and is committed to cultivating soccer talent.
Leader Li Forest said that although the club has the idea of developing professional soccer, youth training is always the foundation. The first team is a showcase platform and needs a constant supply of fresh power to replenish. Youth training work takes five to eight years to develop a group of new people, do a good job of these jobs, time will verify everything.
Youth training not only benefits local youth, but also provides a platform for some retired players to transition. Assistant Coach Shen Chuixing, a former professional player, is currently transitioning from a player to a coach, hoping to use his accumulated experience to help more young players.
