2025 Xi'an Intl Youth Football Invitational Tournament concludes

The 2025 Xi'an International Youth Football Invitational Tournament concluded at the Xi'an Sports Training Center on July 22.

The tournament was divided into two stages. The first stage took place from July 3 to 7, with eight teams from five provinces and autonomous regions participating, including Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang, and Sichuan.

The second stage took place from July 17 to 22, featuring U14 teamsfrom Uzbekistan, Belarus, Australia, and Thailand competing against eight teams from the Chinese Football Association Super League.

Ultimately, a U14 team from the Chinese Football Association's Regional Youth Academy won the tournament. The U14 teams from Shanghai Shenhua and the National Youth Academy of Belarus won second and third place, respectively. Despite the absence of two key athletes, Xi'an's U14 team still achieved acommendable sixth place.

Several innovations were featured at this year's tournament compared to last year, including its division into two stages: international competition and regional competition. The tournament also enhanced international exchanges by inviting stronger international teams.

The closing ceremony was highlighted by a spectacular lion dance performance that showcased excellent traditional Chinese culture. Throughout these 11 days, the organizing committee also arranged a variety of activities, during which athletes visited cultural landmarks in Xi'an, immersing themselves in the city's rich history and vibrant culture.