China to build 60,000 football fields by 2020

As part of its plans to develop football, China is on track to construct 60,000 new sports fields by the end of 2020.

A newly released development plan from the China Football Association and China’s Sports Ministry has outlined plans for the country to have more than 70,000 football fields across the country within the next four year.

In terms of usage, the plan stipulates that school football fields be available to the public when not in use for educational purposes in order to get the most use out of campus facilities. The same requirements will also apply to fields affiliated with state institutions.

Fields are expected to be a mix of natural grass and artificial turf constructions, as well as rooftop installations in congested urban areas. Given the intense development of China’s urban areas and major cities, it may be expected that many fields will be built in confined urban area, continuing a tradition of rooftop sports facilities seen in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.

In addition, the plan stresses the importance of ensuring the quality of construction and implementing effective management after the fields are built.

Image: Coerver Coaching rooftop football facility in Hong Kong.

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