Scotland, Wuxi cement ties in female soccer

Gary Gibson, soccer schools manager at Rangers Football Club introduces the club to the students and talks about the development of female soccer in China in Guangfeng Middle School in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, on Oct 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A Scottish delegation, led by the Scotland and China International Association UK and Rangers Football Club in Glasgow, Scotland, paid a visit to Guangfeng Middle School in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, on Oct 19.

Gary Gibson, soccer schools manager at Rangers introduced the history of the club to the students and talked about the development of female soccer in China, with the aim of seeking a partnership with the school and bringing female players from China to Scotland.

"I'm very impressed by the female players I see here today", said Gibson, a former professional soccer player who is now committed to establishing partnerships with schools worldwide.

Gibson also commented on the potential of the sport, saying "there are more and more opportunities to get involved, at all levels" and praised the state of female soccer in China, acknowledging that it is "well developed."

Wing Sie Ng, founder and chairman of the Scotland and China international Association UK, noted that Scotland shares a similar culture and heritage with Wuxi.

"It's a lot easier for youngsters to go out and experience the world nowadays and the association wants to create a platform for them to do so, whether for Scottish children coming to China to learn Chinese culture or the other way around," she said.

The Scottish delegation poses for a group photo with female soccer players in Guangfeng Middle School in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, on Oct 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

During the visit, the delegation was also shown around the school's trophy room and watched players play soccer on the training ground.

Founded in February 1872, Rangers were one of the 11 original members of the Scottish Football League in 1890 and have won the league title 54 times, the Scottish Cup 33 times and the Scottish League Cup 27 times.