Young soccer players compete in Hangzhou. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

Representatives from participating teams, sports authorities, soccer associations, and youth training organizations gathered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 7 to discuss youth soccer development ahead of the 2026 second Qianchao Cup International Youth Football Invitational Tournament.

Speakers from Zhejiang FC, Belgium's Standard Liege, Thailand's Chiangmai FC, and Serbia's FK Partizan shared insights into youth training systems, talent development, and the use of technology in player selection.

The discussions provided an opportunity for local youth soccer organizations to learn from international practices and explore ways to adapt different training approaches to local conditions.

A representative of the Hangzhou municipal bureau of sports said the growing number of international soccer events hosted by the city has created more opportunities for exchanges. The Qianchao Cup not only gives young players from around the world a platform to compete and develop, but also promotes the exchange of coaching ideas and training methods, supporting Hangzhou's efforts to become a national football development hub.